Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a requirement for modern work and education. In North Carolina, the Department of Transportation is taking direct action to close the digital gap by distributing hundreds of laptops and portable hotspots to students and small business owners in rural communities.
During a ceremony in downtown Raleigh, officials provided the equipment to residents who completed specific online trade courses. Recipients include high school students and individuals working to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The initiative aims to provide the tools necessary for completing school assignments, applying for financial aid, building professional resumes, and searching for job openings without relying on local libraries for connectivity.
State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson noted that technological access is essential to staying competitive in today's economy. The program is supported by a 1.3 million dollar grant through the American Rescue Plan Act. While 200 laptops have reached participants so far, the agency intends to distribute an additional 500 units throughout the remainder of the year to support regional workforce development and bridge the divide for underserved populations.