The Marylanders Online project team is pleased to present the Fiscal Year 2024 Report. View the report here or read an overview of report highlights below.
About the Marylanders Online Program
Launched in 2022, Marylanders Online is a digital literacy program facilitated through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) in partnership with the College of Information (INFO). This state-funded initiative aims to bridge Maryland’s digital divide by providing resources and education to build digital literacy and inclusion throughout the state. The UME Marylanders Online program was designed to address and complement the objectives outlined in Maryland Digital Equity Plan and Maryland State Plan,
The Marylanders Online project consists of three primary components:
- Digital Navigation
- Digital Literacy Curriculum Repository
- Digital Literacy Training through Tech Education
These objectives are driven by a multifaceted approach including national, statewide, and community-level partnerships, mini-grant programs, a call center tech helpline, digital literacy resource development and curation, and outreach. Digital skills and internet connectivity serve as a gateway to information, services, and opportunities that impact education, employment, health care, civic participation, and economic opportunity.
Reporting Period: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Program Reach:
- Empowered nearly 1,400 individuals through 103 digital skills classes.
- Expanded digital connectivity and access for approximately 5,400 Marylanders through 89 Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) events and 155 device distributions.
- Built a strong statewide network of community digital navigators by training 320 new digital navigators
- Provided essential tech support through the Helpline by handling 17,120 calls , including bilingual assistance for 9% of callers.
Online Presence and Engagement:
- Expanded social media reach with new Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts, generating over 50,633 impressions.
- Increased website traffic by over 63,500 page views through platform enhancements.
- Grew newsletter audience by 33% over 16 editions, demonstrating strong engagement.
Partnerships
- Built partnerships with 84 organizations across the state including 23 county government entities, 14 in Baltimore City, 12 county library systems, 8 nonprofits, and 7 youth-serving organizations.
- Reached into immigrant, Spanish-speaking, and limited-English language communities, as well as older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income populations.
Acknowledgments
Marylanders Online extends gratitude to the University of Maryland Extension, the community, partners, funders, and all other entities contributing to the UME Digital Literacy initiative. This project ensures both present and future Maryland generations can thrive in the evolving digital world.
