Note: This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with Southwestern Commission.

About the American Connection Corps:

The American Connection Corps (ACC), an AmeriCorps program of Lead For America (LFA), is a service fellowship program aimed at helping communities build the digital connectivity necessary to expand opportunity and economic mobility, ranging from healthcare access to quality employment.

ACC Members serve with locally-rooted organizations, helping address the digital divide and strengthen access to opportunity. Through their service, they gain hands-on experience, build in-demand skills, and explore career pathways while making a tangible impact in their communities.

About Southwestern Commission

Today, the Southwestern Commission continues to connect member governments with critical funding and resources, adapting as traditional state and federal grants have given way to a broader mix of public and private loans, nonprofit grants, and philanthropic support. While technology has made communication and grant administration more efficient, the Commission remains focused on strengthening intergovernmental relationships through collaboration, professional facilitation, conflict resolution, and dispute mediation. As Southwestern North Carolina experiences continued population growth and increasing demands on local services and infrastructure, the Commission serves as a vital regional partner in areas such as land use planning, economic and workforce development, services for an aging population, and other shared community priorities.

Position Overview

The Digital Navigator will support the Southwestern Commission's efforts to expand digital inclusion and strengthen digital literacy throughout Western North Carolina. This position will provide individualized technology assistance, support the delivery of educational workshops, and participate in community outreach to help older adults, underserved populations, and individuals seeking employment develop essential digital skills. Through partnerships with senior centers, workforce development organizations, and other community agencies, and under appropriate staff guidance and supervision, the Digital Navigator will help individuals gain confidence in using technology, access essential online resources, and become more independent in an increasingly digital world. This role will contribute to building stronger, more connected communities by reducing barriers to technology and creating opportunities for lifelong learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Digital Literacy Education and Individual Assistance
• Provide one-on-one technology assistance to community members, with an emphasis on older adults, underserved populations, and individuals with limited digital experience.
• Develop and deliver digital literacy workshops, in coordination with program staff, covering smartphone and computer basics, email communication, internet navigation, online safety, scam prevention, and accessing essential digital services.
• Assist individuals in developing practical technology skills that promote independence, confidence, and continued learning.
• Provide patient, individualized instruction that meets participants at their current skill levels and addresses their specific technology needs.
• Community Outreach and Partnership Development
• Collaborate with senior centers, libraries, workforce development organizations, and community partners to expand access to digital literacy resources.
• Support community outreach events, educational programs, and awareness initiatives that promote digital inclusion throughout the region.
• Identify barriers to technology access and work alongside community partners and program staff to develop practical, community-centered solutions.
• Support relationship-building with local organizations to expand educational opportunities and connect individuals with available resources.
• Program Development and Coordination
• Assist in developing accessible educational materials, instructional guides, and hands-on learning activities tailored to participants' needs.
• Assist program staff with coordinating and scheduling digital literacy workshops, individual appointments, and outreach opportunities with participating organizations.
• Support digital device distribution initiatives by assisting eligible individuals with device setup, basic instruction, and available technology resources.
• Promote sustainable digital learning opportunities by encouraging community partners and participants to continue developing their technology skills.
• Program Tracking and Evaluation
• Maintain accurate records of educational activities, participant interactions, workshops, outreach events, and services provided, in accordance with program procedures.
• Collect participant feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of digital literacy programming and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with quarterly program reporting and documentation of measurable outcomes, including individuals served, educational sessions delivered, and community partnerships supported.
• Work toward established program goals and performance measures while maintaining flexibility to respond to evolving community needs under program staff guidance.
• Anticipated Performance Goals
• Provide consistent one-on-one digital literacy assistance and group learning opportunities throughout the service term.
• Support digital inclusion activities across the Southwestern Commission's seven-county service region.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations to expand access to digital education.
• Document participant engagement, educational activities, and participant-reported or demonstrated progress in digital confidence and skills.
• Support the sustainability of regional digital inclusion efforts through educational resource development, community collaboration, and program awareness activities.

All functions and activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member are completed under the guidance, supervision, and direction of program and host site staff.

Learning & Development Opportunities

As an ACC Member, you will receive structured training and support throughout your service year, including: 

• A week-long virtual orientation with the national cohort to kick off the service year.
• A week-long, in-person national Winter Institute convening with your ACC cohort — travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend are fully covered.
• Twice-monthly virtual training on skills for service, including project management, asset-based community development, grant writing, and serving vulnerable populations, plus self-paced curricula with opportunities to earn badges and credentials.
• A structured community listening tour at the start of service to understand local needs, assets, and opportunities.
• Dedicated 1:1 support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator and twice-monthly peer pod meetings for networking and professional development.
• Access to a national network of ACC Members, alumni, and community partners.

Requirements

• Passion for community service and connecting your neighbors to the digital tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.

Eligibility:

• Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be 17 years of age or older by the start of service.
• Have not already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps State/National terms. 

Timeline:

We are currently recruiting Members to serve from December 7th, 2026 - August 13th, 2027. Members will serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), completing 1200 hours of service over the course of the term.

Application Process:

1. Submit Your Application: Complete the application on the next page to join our general talent pool.
2. Host Site Review: Our host site organization will review your application, and invite those moving forward to interview.
3. Lead For America Interview: Finalist candidates will be invited to interview with the Lead For America team.

Benefits

Full-time ACC Members receive: 

• A $23,300 living stipend (dispersed bi-weekly over the course of the service term)
• A $5,220 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, which can be applied to education-related expenses after the program concludes (including repayment of qualifying student loans).
• Healthcare coverage (if applicable).
• Access to childcare benefits.
• Student loan forbearance during your year of service.
• Fully-funded ACC Winter Institute druing the year.

Non-Discrimination

This institution operates in accordance with Federal and AmeriCorps civil rights and non-discrimination requirements. This program is available to all. All program documents, including compliance history information, may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact us at [email protected]

Note: The ACC program does not offer part-time or remote member positions at this time.