Digital opportunity refers to ensuring that all members of our community have access to the technology, connectivity, skills, and support they need to participate in today’s digital world. HCCOG works to bridge the digital divide across Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties.

The High Country Digital Opportunities Plan covers all 7 High Country counties. HCCOG contracted with the Institute for Emerging Issues BAND-NC to ensure each county was included to align with the State’s effort to have all 100 counties served by a Plan.

The goal of the Plan was to begin digital opportunity conversations at the intersections of local governments, community organizations, and communities to create a framework on which to build upon a digital environment for all. NC State Employees Credit Union provided implementation funds for Alleghany, Ashe, Wilkes, and Watauga. Dogwood Health Trust provided implementation funds for Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey.

This Plan is very much a living document. Although certain programs mentioned, like the Affordable Connectivity Act, are no longer active, the organizations involved, needs, and assets are guiding principles in our efforts. Momentum and partnerships built from the Planning process led the HCCOG to applying and being granted an NCDIT Digital Champion Grant.

We rely on our community organization partnerships to distribute devices. These organizations work directly with individuals and families that experience the digital divide. Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis and is integrated in organizational screening and intake processes.

E2D is HCCOG’s main device supplier for refurbished laptops. Both E2D and Kramden donated devices after Hurricane Helene. E2D (laptop-focused) and Kramden (desktop-focused) work together across the state.

NCWorks offices have been a strong partner of ours through the High Country Workforce Development Board.

Alleghany EDC, Ashe County, Avery County, Buladean Community Center, Center for Rural Health Innovation, High Country Community Health, Hunger and Health Coalition, Mayland Community College, Mediation and Restorative Justice Center, Mitchell Extension Office, NCWorks Centers, OASIS, Regional/County Library Systems, Senior Centers, W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Wilkes Community College, Wilkes Recovery Revolutions, and more.

*Those in bold are HCCOG Digital Opportunity Fund (supported by NCDIT) subgrantees.

With the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, households are relying on low cost internet plans offered by Internet Service Providers. Many service providers offer a low cost plan option (with eligibility and pricing up to the discretion of the provider).

The flyers found below provide phone numbers of common High Country Internet Service Providers and low cost plan examples. The first step towards lowering your monthly bill is calling your service provider and seeing: 1) if you qualify for their low cost plan, and 2) if your bill can be lowered in order for the service provider to retain you as a customer.

To see if an address is served, search the FCC Broadband Map.

Does an Internet Service Provider claim to “serve” your home but doesn’t?
Submit an availability challenge

Does your physical address appear wrong on the map?
Submit a location challenge

Instructions for translating this page will be added soon.

★ Our Favorite Tool: Morphic
Morphic makes computers easier to use and more accessible by bringing tools that help people better use a computer to the home screen.

• LearnFree (formerly GCFLearnFree.org) — Thousands of free tutorials and videos covering computer basics, internet safety, social media, resume writing, and Microsoft Office. Registration required.
• Digital Skills Library — Nearly 2,000 lessons, videos, and activities covering basic computer skills, online safety, and workplace technology.
• Goodwill Digital Navigator Certificate Specialization (Coursera) — Free 15-hour self-paced program covering digital skills, device access, and online navigation. Earns a career certificate from Goodwill Industries International.
• Digital Literacy Action Plan Tools (CrowdED Learning) — Resources for creating digital literacy education programs, including glossaries, surveys, and learner checklists.
• Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments — Free at NC Public Libraries. Online assessments, curriculum, and certificates for adults. The State Library of NC provides free statewide access.
• Senior Planet from AARP — Free online classes on affordable home internet, Google apps, digital coupons, online safety, AI, and more. See topic pages on scams and artificial intelligence.
• Senior Planet / OATS Trainer Curriculum — Extensive digital literacy curriculum for onsite trainers. HCCOG has a training license and can add trainers for interested organizations. Contact us for the latest train-the-trainer schedule.
• EveryOn — Zip code search for low-cost internet plans.
• Lifeline Support — Monthly discounts on phone and internet service for qualifying low-income households.
• Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center (MATRC) — Federally funded regional telehealth training and technical assistance center covering North Carolina.
• Google for Education Learning Center — Free resources for educators, students, and IT administrators on Google for Education tools.
• Microsoft Office Cheat Sheet Bundle (CustomGuide) (opens PDF document) — Printable quick-reference guides for the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Microsoft Word Quick Start Guide (opens PDF document) — PDF from Microsoft.
• Microsoft Outlook Quick Start Guide (opens PDF document) — PDF from Microsoft.
• Microsoft 365 Documentation
• LearnMyWay — Free with registration. Online learning covering touchscreen use, internet basics, and online safety. Supported by the Good Things Foundation (UK).
• AI Literacy for All — alt+Ignite (Poynter) — Free AI literacy training covering multiple AI tools. Enrollment required.

• North Carolina Broadband Funding and Adoption Maps
• Digital Inclusion Planning Resource Hub
• National Digital Inclusion Alliance
• FCC National Broadband Map

The Appalachian Mountain Alliance for Youth (AMY) Digital Opportunity Cohort is a collaborative initiative supported by Dogwood Health Trust. The cohort brings together regional partners to expand broadband access, digital literacy, and device availability across the High Country.

• High Country Council of Governments
• W.A.M.Y Community Action
• Toe River Valley Regional Library
• Avery County

• NC Assistive Technology Program — State program providing access to assistive technology devices and services.
• Morphic — Makes computers easier to use and more accessible.
• Learn and Try — Search for tech tools that fit your needs.