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    • Author: Julie Slivka, Communications Manager

    Sep 15, 2026

    Connecting Communities: University of Maryland Extension Digital Literacy Project Launches Statewide Digital Asset Map

    In an increasingly digital world, reliable internet access, digital devices, and the skills to use them are essential to everyday life. The knowledge and confidence to use technology and the internet are often essential for pursuing education and career advancement, accessing health care and public services, staying connected, and completing daily tasks. To help communities identify local resources and close persistent digital gaps, the University of Maryland Extension (UME) developed a new public resource for all Marylanders: the Statewide Digital Asset Map.

    A Collaborative Effort for Statewide Impact

    Building a statewide digital asset map required a dedicated project team and close coordination with communities across Maryland. In development since the Marylanders Online initiative began in 2022, the project team included members from UME and the University of Maryland College of Information (INFO). Through extensive statewide outreach, the project team collated,  verified, and organized data and information on nearly 450 digital inclusion resources and services across all 24 Maryland jurisdictions.

    The interactive map brings together multiple internal and external data sources, including:

    • Laptop and tablet rentals
    • Low-cost or refurbished devices
    • Free Wi-Fi locations
    • Digital skills training and class locations
    Opaque background featuring map of Maryland with resource callouts. Text: "Looking for Local Resources? Explore Maryland's Digital Asset Map!"

    The Maryland Digital Asset Map is a centralized, interactive resource that lets residents and community partners explore a wide array of digital support services across the state.

    Explore the Map

    Key Features for Users

    The digital asset map provides residents and community-serving partners with an easy-to-use visual interface to locate critical resources in their immediate area:

    1. Digital Literacy Classes: Locate local training opportunities for building essential or advanced computer skills.
    2. Connectivity & Devices: Find nearby free Wi-Fi locations and programs that offer affordable high-speed internet, low-cost or refurbished devices, and public computer access and hotspots.
    3. Digital Navigation Services: Find local organizations that offer personalized, one-on-one guidance on tech support and public benefits navigation.

    Enhanced Digital Navigation Support with "Mo" – The AI Assistant

    To help every resident navigate these resources, Marylanders Online also developed Mo, an AI chat agent integrated directly with project resources and knowledge bases. Designed with an accessibility-first approach, MO helps reduce technological complexity and work around device limitations. Learn more about MO.

    Explore the Maryland Digital Asset Map

    Whether you are looking to strengthen your tech skills, need help getting home internet connectivity, or want to help a family member find local resources, the Statewide Digital Asset Map is ready to assist.

    Project Team Acknowledgments

    UME Marylanders Online would like to thank the dedicated staff and partners who helped create the Maryland Digital Asset Map:

    • Dr. Jinhee Kim, Principal Investigator of Marylanders Online
    • Marylanders Online staff: Meinaldo Puente Batista, Pawan Kumar Pradhan, Teri Mumm, Julie Slivka, Isaias Tesfalidet, Getachew Ferede
    • INFO staff & students: Dr. Mega Subramaniam, Uhjin Sim, Jane Behre
    • University of Maryland Department of Geographical Sciences students: Stella Shanker, Jonathan Gurvey