Nash Community College is proud to announce the successful progress of its digital literacy initiatives, supported by key partnerships with Cooperative Extension, the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments, and the North Carolina Community College System. These partnerships are fostering student success and helping bridge the digital divide, empowering individuals with the skills and tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Through a series of impactful digital literacy grants, NCC continues to make strides in helping students enhance their computer skills, with a special emphasis on community outreach.
NCC’s Dean of Continuing Education Carla Dunston, who oversees these various initiatives, added, “With the help of Jazmin Rios, NCC Digital Navigator, and Andrea Giddens, NCC Coordinator of Community Engagement and Latino Programs, the team has worked tirelessly to promote digital literacy to the Latino community.”
One key accomplishment is the creation of a bilingual Digital Literacy handbook, available in both English and Spanish, which is now accessible on the NCC website. This resource has already been distributed to students and continues to be an invaluable tool in promoting digital inclusion.
“As part of these initiatives, Rios is currently collaborating with the institution’s continuing education human resources development office and Jonee Callahan, NCC Director of Workforce Continuing Education, to develop a Digital Literacy Pathway class in Moodle, which will serve as a required course for eligible individuals who wish to receive a refurbished laptop,” said Dunston. “This class ensures that students gain essential digital skills, and instructors at all locations (both on and off campus) will be equipped to deliver a consistent and effective curriculum.”
A significant partnership has also been formed with Cooperative Extension. The Cooperative Extension’s four-week Basic Computer class provides refurbished laptops to eligible students upon successfully completing the course. Dunston shares the importance of the work: “In part to this collaboration, students can enroll in the digital literacy course at NCC to continue to develop their computer skills and become savvy with their technology. Specifically, we strongly encourage students to bring their laptops to get the full hands-on experience.”
As part of the collaboration, NCC has recommended that students who complete the class continue their education by enrolling in NCC’s Digital Literacy course to further develop their skills.
Raquel Hedgepeth is the Digital Navigator/Instructor working with students who are interested in improving their digital literacy skills.
“We’re thrilled to work alongside our partners to offer these incredible opportunities for students,” said Hedgepeth. “The continued success of these programs is a direct result of the strong relationships we’ve built with our partners, and we’re excited to see how these initiatives continue to support our community’s digital literacy needs.”
NCC’s digital literacy work is further supported by the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments, which has provided a grant ending in September 2026. With a $143,000 grant, NCC will deploy 153 refurbished laptops to eligible students who successfully complete the Digital Literacy Pathway.
NCC President Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt emphasized the importance of these collaborations, “Our commitment to student success is at the heart of everything we do at Nash Community College. These partnerships allow us to bring vital resources and educational opportunities to those who need them most, and together, we’re helping to create a stronger, more digitally literate community.”
“The impact of our digital literacy programs goes beyond just teaching computer skills – it’s about empowering individuals to unlock new opportunities for employment, education, and personal growth,” said Dunston. “These partnerships are an essential part of our broader mission to serve the community and ensure that all students have access to the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world.”
Nash Community College remains committed to providing innovative and accessible educational opportunities for students. The ongoing success of these digital literacy programs demonstrates the profound impact that collaboration and community engagement can have on student success and lifelong learning.
For more information on the Digital Literacy Program at Nash Community College, please contact Raquel Hedgepeth at 252-451-8329, Jazmin Rios at 252-451-8251, or to learn more about Spanish-speaking specific opportunities, contact Andrea Giddens at 252-451-8334.
