National Digital Equity Center
National Digital Equity Center is a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2017 in Wiscasset, Maine that delivers digital skills training, broadband planning, and digital inclusion programs to rural communities, older adults, partner organizations, and tribal populations across the United States.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersWiscasset, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What National Digital Equity Center does
The National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in Fall 2017 by Susan Corbett and headquartered in Wiscasset, Maine. The organization delivers digital skills training, broadband planning, affordable device programs, and digital equity consulting to underserved populations across the United States, with primary service delivery in Maine. Its served segments include rural communities, older adults aged 55+, workforce development groups, partner organizations (libraries, schools, community nonprofits, government agencies), and tribal communities such as the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point. NDEC's stated mission is to "recruit, teach and empower others" so digital inclusion work is sustained long-term, formalized through its Digital Opportunity Ecosystem framework.
NDEC's core product is the Digital Skills Training Program, offering 45+ classes organized around three curricula — For Work & Business, For Home and Education, and Aging Well with Technology. Classes are delivered through four channels: live interactive videoconferencing, on-demand video through the Digital Opportunity Partner Portal, in-person partner onsite classes taught via Zoom, and the self-paced Digital Skills Learning Platform with Individual Learning Plans (Basic Digital Skills ILP, Path to Work Skills ILP), structured assessments, virtual Digital Navigator coaching, and proficiency certificates. Supporting product offerings include Digital Equity Plans consulting, the Digital Opportunity Partner Program (train-the-trainer), the Digital Navigator Training Program (with background checks, orientation, and individualized training), Low-cost Device Programs, and Affordable Broadband Solutions consulting. The underlying technology stack is built around standard video conferencing (Zoom), on-demand video hosting, web-based learning platforms, and secure enrollment/registration systems, rather than proprietary AI/ML platforms.
The revenue model is non-profit and diversified across three streams: donations from individuals and organizations, grants and funding from government agencies and philanthropic organizations, and modest program fees ($50 per class for individual out-of-state participants; free to Maine residents). NDEC additionally generates revenue through customized private training engagements under multi-year contracts and consulting engagements for Digital Equity Plans. Its go-to-market combines community-led train-the-trainer distribution through hundreds of partner organizations, direct-to-consumer online class registration for Maine residents, and event-driven in-person class delivery at partner locations.
National Digital Equity Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- National Digital Equity Center
- Legal name
- National Digital Equity Center
- Website
- https://digitalequitycenter.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- National Digital Equity Center is a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2017 in Wiscasset, Maine that delivers digital skills training, broadband planning, and digital inclusion programs to rural communities, older adults, partner organizations, and tribal populations across the United States.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
National Digital Equity Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Equity Training and Inclusion Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Assistive Technology & Accessible Digital Skills (EDAAAIAK)
Keywords
Where National Digital Equity Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wiscasset
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
National Digital Equity Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations: The organization accepts donations from individuals and organizations to support digital equity initiatives.
- Grants and Funding: NDEC receives grant funding for broadband development and digital inclusion programs, including from government agencies and philanthropic organizations.
- Program Fees (Out-of-State): Digital skills classes are free to Maine residents but charged at $50 per class to individual out-of-state participants.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free classes for Maine residents |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Out-of-state participants |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Customized private training |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
National Digital Equity Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) is a 501c3 non-profit that delivers digital skills training (45+ classes across three curricula: For Work & Business, For Home and Education, and Aging Well with Technology) through online interactive videoconferencing, partner onsite classes, and an on-demand video learning platform. The organization also provides digital equity and inclusion consulting (Digital Equity Plans), a train-the-trainer partner program, Individual Learning Plans with coaching, low-cost device programs, affordable broadband solutions, and specialized training for Digital Navigators and Community Advocates. NDEC works directly with rural communities, older adults, workforce groups, partner organizations, and tribal communities.
Product overview
The National Digital Equity Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that offers a comprehensive suite of digital equity and inclusion programs rather than a traditional software product. Its core offerings center on the Digital Skills Training Program (45+ classes across three curricula: For Work & Business, For Home and Education, and Aging Well with Technology), which is delivered through multiple channels including Online Interactive Classes via videoconference, Partner Onsite Classes at community locations, and on-demand video through the Digital Opportunity Partner Program portal. These training services are complemented by consulting offerings including Digital Equity Plans, the Digital Opportunity Partner Program (train-the-trainer model), Digital Skills Individual Learning Plans, Low-cost Device Programs, Affordable Broadband Solutions, and specialized training for Community Advocates, Digital Navigators, and Technical Support Specialists. The programs are designed to address all aspects of the digital divide through creating Digital Opportunity Ecosystems that combine programs and policies tailored to regional needs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Digital Skills Training Program A digital skills training program offering 45+ classes organized around three curricula—For Work & Business, For Home and Education, and Aging Well with Technology—delivered via live interactive videoconferencing, on-demand video, or in-person instruction. Classes range from one to three one-hour sessions and are free to Maine residents.
- Digital Equity Plans Consulting service that addresses Digital Skills Training, Affordable Broadband, Affordable Devices, and Public Computer Access for regions and communities, providing expertise to mobilize broadband technologies and create digitally skilled citizens. Plans cover leveraging the internet by designing intentional strategies and investments to reduce historical, institutional, and structural barriers to access and technology use.
- Digital Opportunity Partner Program A train-the-trainer program engaging stakeholder organizations through a community of practice. Provides training and materials to teach 5 Internet Safety classes, exclusive access to 16 on-demand digital skills video classes via the Digital Opportunity Partner Portal, and assistance promoting digital skills programming.
- Digital Skills Individual Learning Plans (ILP) Programs including the Basic Digital Skills ILP and Path to Work Skills ILP, each with structured assessment of skills and learning goals, individualized learning plans, virtual Digital Navigator coaching, and class enrollment through the Digital Skills Learning Platform.
- Low-cost/No-cost Device Programs Consulting service to design and facilitate affordable device programs for organizations, regions, and communities, including appropriate devices for target populations, purchase resources, and digital skills training for recipients.
- Affordable Broadband Solutions Broadband Subsidy Programs to offset subscription costs for low-to-moderate income families, including assistance with fundraising campaigns, identifying ISPs, establishing qualification criteria, and developing outreach plans. Also includes 'Exploring Affordable Internet Options' and 'Cutting the Cord' classes.
- Community Advocate, Digital Navigator & Technical Support Specialist Training Specialized training programs for community volunteers and staff to serve as trusted guides assisting community members with accessing affordable connectivity, devices, and digital skills, and providing technical support for devices and home networks.
- Digital Navigator Training Program Volunteer program where Digital Navigators assist Maine residents with signing up for classes, learning basic skills one-on-one, and applying for the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program or selecting an ISP. Includes enrollment registration, background checks, orientation, and individualized training.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 100 broadband access points connecting 2,500+ square miles in rural Maine under CEO leadership
Companies that use National Digital Equity Center
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
National Digital Equity Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
National Digital Equity Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Connect HumanitycoreConnect Humanity is led by Samantha Schartman-Cycyk, NDEC board member, who serves as Director of Philanthropic Programs. Connect Humanity led the Appalachia Digital Opportunity Accelerator, a $6 million initiative that catalyzed over $150 million in broadband investments.
- Give IT. Get IT.minorGive IT. Get IT. is a referral partner helping eligible Maine individuals get access to fast, high-quality computers at the lowest cost. NDEC recommends this organization to individuals needing devices.
- Community Organizations (general)coreNDEC partners with hundreds of community organizations across the country to deliver digital equity programs, training, and outreach.
- Educational InstitutionscorePartnerships with educational institutions for digital skills training, access points, and community hubs.
- Government AgenciescoreGovernment partnerships for policy, funding, and broadband infrastructure initiatives.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)corePartnerships with ISPs for infrastructure, low-cost services, and device donations to support affordable broadband access.
- Libraries and SchoolscoreLibraries and schools serve as access points, education centers, and community hubs for digital skills training and internet access.
- Technology ProviderscorePartnerships with technology providers for devices, infrastructure, and digital skills resources.
- Academic InstitutionsminorResearch, evaluation, and innovation partnerships with academic institutions.
- Advocacy GroupsminorAdvocacy partnerships to promote digital equity, broadband access, and digital literacy efforts.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
National Digital Equity Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
National Digital Equity Center social profiles
Digital presenceNational Digital Equity Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
National Digital Equity Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
National Digital Equity Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
National Digital Equity Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about National Digital Equity Center
What does National Digital Equity Center do?
National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) is a 501c3 non-profit that delivers digital skills training (45+ classes across three curricula: For Work & Business, For Home and Education, and Aging Well with Technology) through online interactive videoconferencing, partner onsite classes, and an on-demand video learning platform. The organization also provides digital equity and inclusion consulting (Digital Equity Plans), a train-the-trainer partner program, Individual Learning Plans with coaching, low-cost device programs, affordable broadband solutions, and specialized training for Digital Navigators and Community Advocates. NDEC works directly with rural communities, older adults, workforce groups, partner organizations, and tribal communities.
Is National Digital Equity Center a public or private company?
National Digital Equity Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was National Digital Equity Center founded?
National Digital Equity Center was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is National Digital Equity Center based?
National Digital Equity Center is headquartered in Wiscasset, United States, in the North America region.
How does National Digital Equity Center make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations are the primary driver. The others are grants and Funding and program Fees (Out-of-State).
Does National Digital Equity Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for National Digital Equity Center.
What industry is National Digital Equity Center in?
National Digital Equity Center's product category is Digital Equity Training and Inclusion Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAIAK, Assistive Technology & Accessible Digital Skills. Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.