By Lee Davenport, US Ignite Communities Director
Preparing students for today’s workforce takes more than classroom instruction. It takes sustained partnerships that connect schools, higher education, community organizations, and industry to create meaningful learning opportunities. This summer, that collaboration reached another milestone as students in Guilford County completed Northstar Digital Literacy Certifications that will strengthen their resumes, support future internships, and prepare them for college and the workplace.
US Ignite has worked alongside Guilford County Schools, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), Technology & Data Institute (TDI), instructors, and community partners for the past five years to expand digital opportunity across the region. Along the way, the partnership has grown to support the Borderless Classroom. The pilot brought free high-speed home Internet to participating students through Lumos, helping ensure that learning continues beyond Internet access at school to the Internet at home.
This summer’s Northstar Digital Literacy program explored digital skills training to address the broader conditions students need to succeed. In remote and in-person pilots, instructors built on that foundation by helping students develop the practical technology skills expected in school, the workplace, and everyday life. Working with Guilford County Schools, US Ignite administered the program, supported instructors throughout the course, and helped students earn nationally recognized digital literacy certifications.
Students completed learning modules covering computer fundamentals, Internet basics, email, Microsoft Office applications, cybersecurity, information literacy, career search skills, and digital citizenship before earning their certificates of completion. The certifications recognize proficiency across a broad range of essential digital skills that employers increasingly expect in today’s workforce.
While every module contributed to the students’ growth, the Microsoft Office coursework stood out during the program. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to receive structured instruction in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students also embraced topics such as Information Literacy, Internet Basics, Windows, and macOS, gaining exposure to new tools and new ways of thinking about technology. Throughout the program, students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to earn industry-recognized Northstar certifications while building practical skills they can carry into future classes, internships, and careers.
The certifications also represent more than technical knowledge. As students developed resumes, practiced workplace communication, and completed career-focused activities, they gained confidence in presenting themselves as capable young professionals ready for future opportunities.
The program concluded with Guilford County Schools recognizing the students’ hard work and perseverance during a certificate presentation that celebrated their accomplishments and the commitment they demonstrated throughout the summer.
For US Ignite, the celebration represents more than the end of a successful summer program. It reflects what long-term partnerships can achieve. By bringing together K-12 education, higher education, community organizations, industry partners like Lumos, and nationally recognized digital credentials, Guilford County continues to create pathways that prepare students for success. US Ignite is proud to support that work and looks forward to continuing this partnership in the years ahead.