University of Maryland Extension’s Marylanders Online Project Recognized with Multiple NEAFCS Awards
The National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) recognized the University of Maryland Extension with multiple national and regional awards during the NEAFCS 91st Annual Session held October 21–23, 2025, in Grand Rapids, MI.
The acclaimed Marylanders Online digital literacy project, led by the University of Maryland Extension (UME) in partnership with the University of Maryland College of Information (INFO), received five awards at the 2025 NEAFCS conference.
- 1st Place National Winner and 1st Place Eastern Region Winner – Florence Hall Award
- 2nd Place Eastern Region Winner – Community Partnership Award
- 2nd Place National Winner and 1st Place Eastern Region Winner – Communications and Social Media Award
Award Recipients: Maria Barga, Gabriel Fumero, Keri Grant, Aziz Ali Hurtado Olson, Shelita Jackson, Naiman Staley, Tsehay Ayele, Getachew Ferede, Lassine Guindo, Meinaldo Puente Batista, Pawan Pradhan, Bory Ventura, Jahnavi Mandala, Nerice Millet-Williams, Teri Mumm, Isaias Tesfalidet, Uhjin Sim, Julie Slivka, Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Shauna C. Henley, Barbara J. Barga, Amy Lang, Jennifer Lynn Dixon Cravens, Michael N. Elonge, Catherine Sorenson, Troy Anthony Anderson, and Suzanne F. Cooke.
Florence Hall Award: Outstanding Program Recognition
1st Place National Winner | 1st Place Eastern Region Winner
The Florence Hall Award honors individuals or programs that address emerging community issues with innovative approaches and involve others in their communities. UME Marylanders Online earned first-place national and regional recognition for developing a comprehensive and scalable digital literacy model that addresses digital access, literacy, and support—particularly among seniors, non-English speakers, and rural residents with limited connectivity. The project’s impact has been rigorously measured using a strategic data-collection framework that integrates quantitative and qualitative metrics, allowing for continuous evaluation of program effectiveness and improvement.
Key Project Analytics:
- Call Center: Centralized tracking system to log caller issues, demographics, resolution rates, and outcomes
- Digital Navigation: Use of registration forms and participant surveys to quantify digital skill learning and participant satisfaction by county
- Network Evaluation: Use of partner feedback surveys and interviews to assess engagement, progress, and opportunities for future collaboration
Community Partnership Award
2nd Place Eastern Region Winner
The NEAFCS Community Partnership award recognizes outstanding efforts to meet the needs of families through collaboration with groups, agencies, and consumers. The UME Marylanders Online team was recognized for its dedication to advancing the Extension mission by fostering partnerships to more effectively reach communities. By bridging the gap between resource providers and the public, Marylanders Online has cultivated a statewide network of nearly 270 partners. These collaborations have fueled the program's organic growth, leading to full classes and culturally relevant, locally responsive Extension education.
Program Impact from 2022 -2024:
- 56,000 Marylanders reached
- 26,000 helpline calls answered
- 23,000 devices distributed
- 5,400+ ACP sign-ups facilitated
- 1,300 community events attended
- 400 digital navigators trained
Communications and Social Media Award
2nd Place National Winner | 1st Place Eastern Region Winner
The NEAFCS Communications and Social Media Award celebrates innovative use of digital platforms to deliver educational content. Marylanders Online's communications strategy advances digital inclusion through learner-centered, community-informed content that resonates with diverse audiences. By delivering compelling communications across its website, newsletter, and social media, Marylanders Online connects thousands of Maryland residents with essential digital resources, training opportunities, and events to improve access to digital opportunities.
2024 Key Highlights:
- 165% increase in website page views
- 312% increase in website users
- 32,775 newsletter opens
- 538,676 social media impressions
Acknowledgments
Marylanders Online extends sincere appreciation to all UME team members who contributed to the award submissions, as well as to the partners and communities that make this initiative possible.
For a complete list of honors received by University of Maryland Extension faculty and staff at the 2025 NEAFCS Awards Ceremony, see below. It showcases the breadth of excellence, innovation, and impact demonstrated by UME professionals as they serve Maryland’s families and communities. Read more about the 2025 NEAFCS Award winners here.