National Digital Equity Center

10/10/2025

NDEC and our partners around the state celebrated National Digital Inclusion Week by gathering for the Maine Digital Equity Workshop at the University of Maine Augusta on October 7th. From the keynote by Gina Cooper Benjamin of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance to the breakout sessions in the afternoon, it was a day of learning, reflection, and connection. Please check out the great coverage of the event in this news story - https://www.foxbangor.com/news/maine-digital-equity-alliance-gather-to-address-states-digital-divide/article_1a300c22-2419-4160-93ad-63e9dc01c5c2.html

07/25/2025

NEW AI FOR JOB SEEKERS class! This three-session class is free for Maine residents! Reserve your spot in one of our online interactive classes now. Seats are limited to 10 people per class!

July Thu 31 This is a series of 3 sessions. July 31 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 PM August 7 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 PM August 14 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 PM Online Interactive: AI For Job Seekers Online Interactive What is AI? This class gives a general overview of AI, how it works, how to stay safe while using it. Participa...

05/27/2025

lease join us at this informational meeting to find out about the free programs and services provided by the NDEC in partnership with the Greater Portland Council of Governments. The NDEC provides support such as assistance for affordable high-speed internet, free Digital Skills Classes, and the Digital Skills Success Plan Program which is geared specifically towards people who either need assistance with learning how to acquire and/or use a device or take digital skills classes to improve their employment options.

This event will take place on June 10th from 2:00PM - 3:00PM at Avesta Housing - West End Apartments.

Learn more & register here:
https://digitalequitycenter.org/classes/class/copy-copy-3-copy-11/?instance_id=6235

05/27/2025

Please join us in congratulating Susan Corbett, founder and Executive Director of the National Digital Equity Center, on her prestigious Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Award. This national award presented to her at the 2025 NetInclusion Conference recognizes Susan’s leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity, not only in Maine but throughout the country.

05/23/2025

MCA is committed to progress for the State’s future, while also supporting what works from our past.

We are working to build resiliency and redundancy in our internet infrastructure that will prepare us for what’s next and allow for heritage industries to be able to compete in a modern economy.

There are no limitations when people and communities have access to reliable, high-speed internet, and the skills to use it.

12 From the 2024 Measures of Growth: Performance Measures and Benchmarks to Achieve a Vibrant and Sustainable Economy for Maine www.mdf.org/economic-policy-research/measures-of-growth-report.

05/23/2025

MCA’s goal is to facilitate reliable, modern internet connectivity for all Maine people. Over 86,000 connections to homes and businesses have been made since 2022.

And to be successful, this work requires investments in time, resources, and money. Enabling digital equity through skills, education, and devices, ensures that the investments made into internet infrastructure last well into the future through the people using it.

11 From the Maine Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights docs.google.com/document/d/1RsVzMqRZrXMUbs0Bh0t3Jtk-Y12vBOmfSNOFAtDf5cA/edit?tab=t.0

05/23/2025

MCA’s mission is to facilitate reliable, modern internet connectivity for all Maine people. Over 86,000 connections to homes and businesses have been made since 2022.

When people have access to reliable, high-speed internet, and the skills to use it, they have the power to choose. Not only choose where to live or where to work or where to go to school, but how to live, how to work, and how to receive education.

This ability also contributes to the long-term sustainability of investments made into internet infrastructure.

10 From the Maine Economic Development Strategy 2020-2029https://www.maine.gov/decd/sites/maine.gov.decd/files/inline-files/DECD_120919_sm.pdf

05/23/2025

When people have access to reliable, high-speed internet, and the skills to use it, they can live and work where they want. This means that people can thrive, and contribute to thriving communities.

MCA has connected some of the most rural places in the State: from Rangeley, to Caribou, to Isle au Haut.

And we’ve invested in Connectivity Hubs - open, community spaces where people can go in their own community to learn new skills, access telehealth, or apply for jobs.

9 From the Maine Economic Development Strategy 2020-2029https://www.maine.gov/decd/sites/maine.gov.decd/files/inline-files/DECD_120919_sm.pdf

05/23/2025

The internet is increasingly important for being able to access opportunities like applying for a job, growing a small business, or pursuing education.

When we prepare all people in Maine to be able to access that opportunity by providing them with the tools and skills to do so, we are contributing to the economic development of individuals, communities, and the State.

8 From the Maine Economic Development Strategy 2020-2029https://www.maine.gov/decd/sites/maine.gov.decd/files/inline-files/DECD_120919_sm.pdf

05/23/2025

Digital Navigators provide direct support and access to resources to help Maine people take full advantage of being connected.

There are currently Digital Navigator positions in each region of Maine and the Wabanaki community. They are critical positions which ensure that older adults, veterans, and people who live in rural areas know how to use the internet.

7 From the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, www.digitalinclusion.org/definitions/

05/23/2025

While new technology has opened up avenues for communication, learning, and entertainment, it has also given rise to serious risks like scams and fraud.

Internet safety education is a digital inclusion activity that helps prepare individuals to protect themselves against these types of risks.

Last year, suspected internet crime in New England reportedly caused losses exceeding $16 billion—a 33 percent increase in losses from 2023. In Maine, 2,137 victims reported $31,455,797 in losses. Read the FBI report: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston/news/new-englanders-report-over-446-million-in-losses-according-to-annual-internet-crime-report

05/23/2025

Having a device is one half of being able to harness the internet as a tool. (The other half being reliable internet access!)

Different devices are better suited to different uses, and it’s critical that everyone in Maine has a device which matches their needs.

MCA goal is to distribute 50,000 free or low-cost computer devices that meet the user’s needs by 2029, through securing 25,000 donated devices from businesses, institutions, and agencies to refurbish.

6 From the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, www.digitalinclusion.org/definitions/