When Taneisha walked into the Bertie County Cooperative Extension Center, she carried more than just a request for help—she carried urgency, uncertainty, and hope. Her electricity had been cut off, and without a paycheck soon, she faced the very real risk of losing her home. She had just visited Perdue Farms to apply for a job, as she had done 25 years earlier. But this time, she learned the application process was now entirely online.

With no recent experience navigating the internet, no familiarity with online forms, email accounts, or digital tools, she was referred to Rebecca Jinnette, Digital Skills Educator with the NC Digital Futures Program.

Over the course of their session, Rebecca guided Taneisha through essential digital tasks—setting up and recovering online accounts, using a word processor, accessing email, and completing a web-based job application. Together, they submitted her online application to Perdue.

The moment the confirmation email arrived in her inbox, Taneisha smiled brightly. It was her first time applying for a job online—and a crucial step toward rebuilding stability in her life.

This story reflects the core mission of the NC Digital Futures Program: providing underserved residents with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in a digital world. One-on-one support like this bridges the gap between opportunity and access.

Learn more about the NC Digital Futures Program