Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
In Progress | 
On Hold | 
Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 3.32 Create and recommend a digital literacy program
Connected, Engaged, & Inclusive Communities
Description
Digital Literacy is having the ability to create, evaluate, research, and communicate information effectively using technology. It is our goal to develop and implement a digital literacy program that empowers residents with the ability to use information technologies to research, evaluate, create, and communicate by growing their technical skillset. There is a portion of the community in Durham that lacks education pertaining to digital literacy. With the rapid growth of technology today, it is crucial to learn and possess skills on how to use technology proficiently. Expanding resident access to digital resources and community programs services will enhance the overall skillset of City of Durham residents.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
The digital literacy classes have become a key driver of expanding digital access and confidence among Durham residents. By offering an 8‑hour basic computer training course, the program provides participants with essential skills such as navigating devices, using email, accessing online services, and practicing internet safety. This structured, beginner‑friendly approach helps residents build the foundational knowledge needed to participate more fully in school, work, and community life.
A major strength of the initiative is the pairing of skills training with the distribution of laptops upon course completion. This model ensures that participants not only learn how to use a computer but also leave with a device they can continue practicing on at home. Providing a laptop reinforces learning, increases long‑term adoption, and removes a major cost barrier for households that might otherwise remain digitally excluded.
Together, the training and device distribution strategy contribute to measurable progress in digital inclusion. Residents gain practical skills, sustained access to technology, and greater confidence using digital tools—supporting broader community goals around workforce readiness, education, and equitable access to online services.
Why is it important?
Digital literacy and Internet connectivity are "social determinants of health" because they address all aspects of well-being for a person trying to succeed in our Durham society. For example, applications for employment, housing, and other assistance programs, each of which influences an individual's health and overall well-being, are increasingly, and sometimes exclusively, accessible online. The costs of equipping a person to use the Internet are substantially lower than treating health conditions that may be incurred by the lack of access to basic digital engagement portals. As the City of Medicine, our ability to improve digital literacy skills and access is valuable and necessary to reduce disparities and improve the outcomes that lead to economic mobility for under resourced and underrepresented populations in Durham. (Source: NPJ Digital Medicine, 2021; "Digital Inclusion as a social determinant of health", 4:52. Published online 2021 March 17.)
What have we been doing?
Staff have continued expanding digital literacy programming and partnerships to improve residents’ access to technology and digital skills training. Work has focused on training programs, community classes, and planning for a broader Digital Navigator program.
Key activities include:
Conducting digital literacy classes in partnership with community organizations and libraries.
Distributing laptops and providing basic computer training through ARPA-funded programs.
Conducting a digital literacy survey of City employees to assess training needs.
Beginning development of the Digital Navigator program to provide personalized technology support.
What's next?
Efforts to expand digital literacy programs will continue through the following activities:
Digital Literacy Classes – Hosting additional ARPA-funded training sessions at community locations.
Digital Navigator Program Development – Creating applications, marketing materials, and program structure for launch.
Device Procurement – Purchasing computers through the ODEL grant program.
Training Recommendations – Sharing recommendations and best practices based on digital literacy survey results.
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Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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