Working to Close the Digital Divide with Learn2Earn

Published on February 05, 2026

Four individuals work together on computers.

The City of Charlotte is committed to closing the digital divide by providing training and access to technology for all of Charlotte’s residents. One important city program to help with digital inclusion is Learn2Earn.

“This initiative aims to eliminate disparities in access to technology and digital skills, supporting Charlotte’s ‘Smart City’ objectives and strategies for upward mobility,” Smart Charlotte Program Lead Jamar Davis said. “Participants are equipped with confidence and practical skills, which enable them to apply for jobs, enhance their education and manage daily tasks more effectively.”

Learn2Earn is a digital inclusion program launched by the city's Smart Charlotte team, which is part of the Innovation & Technology Department. This program currently provides grants to nonprofit organizations that offer underserved communities access to digital literacy, skills, technology and support for long-term economic mobility. The grants are administered through FORWARD and BL Wall provides community engagement support.

The program also provides toolkits — such as a laptop bag and accessories — and access to digital navigators who support participants with connectivity and ongoing digital skill-building.

The city recently announced the 15 nonprofit organizations that received a total of $1.9 million in grants. The city’s partnerships align with its goals and offer various services related to digital literacy.

One of the grantees is the Second Calvary Center for Community Development. It plans to use the funding to offer hands-on digital skills training, provide residents with reliable devices and connect people to employment and economic opportunities.

The organizations also support workforce development and the city’s economic development goals. Nonprofit Power Up USA plans to use the grant funds to transform the City of Charlotte into a pipeline for the digital workforce. It will provide advanced training to maximize the use of devices. To Power Up USA, it’s not just about having a laptop; it’s about knowing how to use it to apply for jobs, manage finances and create content.

Another grantee is Grace Mar Services Inc. The nonprofit plans to expand access to workforce-aligned digital literacy and AI readiness training for residents who face barriers to employment. The grant will help move participants from basic computer skills into applied use of digital and AI-enabled tools tied to its AI credential pathway.

Together, the City of Charlotte and these organizations are advancing upward mobility. Below is the full list of grant recipients:

  • Grace Mar Services Inc.
  • Camino
  • The Center for Digital Equity
  • Second Calvary Center for Community Development
  • A Place to Live Again
  • Power Up USA
  • North End Community Coalition
  • AppUniversity
  • My Brother's Keeper
  • Asian American Foundation of the Carolinas
  • Strive CLT
  • The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library Foundation
  • City Startup Labs
  • UNISAL
  • Peace4Poverty

With programs like Learn2Earn, the vision for Charlotte’s future is bright.

“We envision a more inclusive and equitable Charlotte where public institutions, nonprofits and private-sector partners work together to ensure all residents have the digital skills, tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the local economy,” grantee UNISAL said.

“We envision a vibrant and welcoming city with a strong economy, a culturally diverse yet interconnected population, and a highly skilled workforce supporting a broad range of businesses,” grantee Asian American Foundation of the Carolinas said. “Charlotte is a community where opportunity is shared — and one we are proud to call home.”

For more information, visit the Smart Charlotte web page.

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