National Digital Equity Center

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.

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

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

• Digital literacy training
• Digital equity consulting
• Broadband planning services
• Digital navigator training
• Community technology programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Wiscasset

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: The organization accepts donations from individuals and organizations to support digital equity initiatives.
2. Grants and Funding: NDEC receives grant funding for broadband development and digital inclusion programs, including from government agencies and philanthropic organizations.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core 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

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Connect HumanitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnect 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.minorOthersGive 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNDEC partners with hundreds of community organizations across the country to deliver digital equity programs, training, and outreach.
• Educational InstitutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnerships with educational institutions for digital skills training, access points, and community hubs.
• Government AgenciescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partnerships for policy, funding, and broadband infrastructure initiatives.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartnerships with ISPs for infrastructure, low-cost services, and device donations to support affordable broadband access.
• Libraries and SchoolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLibraries and schools serve as access points, education centers, and community hubs for digital skills training and internet access.
• Technology ProviderscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnerships with technology providers for devices, infrastructure, and digital skills resources.
• Academic InstitutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch, evaluation, and innovation partnerships with academic institutions.
• Advocacy GroupsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvocacy partnerships to promote digital equity, broadband access, and digital literacy efforts.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/digitalequityct
• Facebookfacebook.com/digitalequitycenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-digital-equity-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Digital Equity Center