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    Author: Julie Slivka, Pawan K. Pradhan

    Jul 30, 2024

    Marylanders Online Pilot Programs


    UME Marylanders Online supports several pilot projects across Maryland by administering mini-grant funding. These projects target diverse populations, from immigrant communities, rural youth, older adults, and incarcerated individuals. Targeted outreach to underserved communities is essential for achieving digital equity for all Maryland residents. Listed below are eight mini-grant projects supported by UME Marylanders Online. Learn how Marylanders Online is collaborating with program partners to broaden digital literacy across Maryland.

    Key Projects and Impact

    4-H Projects in the Digital Age

    By integrating digital literacy directly into the animal science program, this initiative fosters youth development in several key areas: financial tracking for managing animal care expenses, marketing skills to showcase their achievements online, and online safety awareness to ensure responsible digital citizenship. By gearing up young minds for success in the modern world of 4-H and animal science, this program equips future generations with the essential tech skills needed to navigate the digital world.

    Target Population: Rural Communities - Youth & Older Adults

    Number of Individuals Served:  18 youth and 35 Adults

    Digital Literacy Skills for Immigrant Afghan Populations

    This UME initiative aims to increase the digital skills of the Baltimore City Afghan population to enhance their ability to independently access government resources and personal health information online. By offering group digital skills, over 7-weekly classes in an in-person format, this culturally responsive initiative works to break down the barriers that the Afghan community faces when accessing online services. 

    Target Population: Refugees and Immigrant Populations in Baltimore City

    Digital Skills & Financial Education and Small Business Ownership for Incarcerated Individuals Nearing Release

    This program aims to empower incarcerated individuals with GED certificates by providing targeted training that will help them gain valuable financial literacy skills, explore the intricacies of starting a small business, and learn computer skills to develop a business model for their chosen venture. This comprehensive UME collaborative program equips individuals nearing release with the knowledge and tools needed to pursue financial stability and potentially launch their own businesses upon discharge from incarceration.

    Target Population: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and Residents of Baltimore County, Ex-Offenders

    Number of Individuals Served: 16

    Digital Tools for Youth Leadership Development

    This program offers mentorship opportunities to older youth by giving them opportunities to lead in-person workshops that foster digital skills in younger participants. This innovative approach provides a two-way learning experience that benefits both groups, allowing youth leaders to develop valuable teaching and leadership skills while equipping younger participants with digital tools to help them build their digital literacy.

    Target Population: Youth

    Digital Tools for Financial Capability

    This program tackles financial literacy by teaching participants the digital skills needed to confidently navigate devices and access online resources. Participants build their proficiency in applications designed to promote financial self-sufficiency and collaboration. By combining digital literacy training with access to financial tools, this initiative fosters a more confident and informed citizenry capable of making sound financial decisions.

    Target Population: Marylanders in the counties of Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset who are disproportionately affected by the digital divide - BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), Seniors/Older Adults; Immigrants, People with limited English Language Proficiency/English Language Learners, People with Disabilities, and Residents of Rural Counties.

    Digital, Physical, and Financial Literacy & Wellness Program

    In partnership with Harford County Department of Social Services, this Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) initiative aims to address to the inequities brought to light by the pandemic by cultivating digital inclusion through targeted training for two underserved populations: the unemployed and older adults. An FCS Educator used this program to integrate digital literacy into nutrition and financial wellness education. Participants learn to navigate the online world confidently, manage their physical health effectively, and make sound financial decisions to promote well-being in the digital age. Another branch of the program brought digital literacy to older adults through Senior Planet, an initiative from AARP. FCS Educators for this program include Jennifer Dixon Cravens, Carrie Sorenson, Dr. Shauna Henley, Shelita Jackson, and Naimani Staley.

    Target Population: Adults ages 18-55 from community partnership with Harford County Department of Social Services- Susquehanna Workforce, Havre De Grace Maryland

    Number of Individuals Served: 137

    Target Populations: Seniors Citizens Ages 60 and over from community partnership with Woodlawn Senior Center, Woodlawn, Maryland. 

    Number of Individuals Served: 87

    Total Grant Program Participants served 2023-2024: 224 

    FarmerTech

    FarmerTech is an intergenerational program involving teens in the 4-H program in Baltimore County. This initiative adapts the Teens as Teachers model and empowers youth to go out into the community to offer technology support to farmers. The goal of this program is to increase digital resource engagement in the farming community, thereby increasing farm revenue and enhancing workforce development, service learning, and public speaking opportunities for teens. Learn more. 

    Target Population: Farmers and youth 

    Financial Mind$et: Crossing the Economic Chasm with Technology

    In collaboration with Calvert County Extension, this program was created to help lower-educated, at-risk youth and low-income families bridge the economic divide by teaching participants financial literacy and essential digital skills. By connecting at-risk youth and families with the necessary resources and tools, they will be able to better navigate the financial landscape and work towards a more promising economic future.

    Target Population: Low-education, at-risk youths and low-income families

    Number of Individuals Served: 432

    Recognizing and Avoiding Scams: An Older Adult Digital Literacy Program

    This program is offered in partnership with Carroll County Extension Office and Carroll County Library to equip older adults with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the digital world both confidently and safely. This proactive programmatic approach focuses on identifying and safeguarding against common scams, helping seniors build their digital skills, and allowing for greater independence, security, and the ability to enjoy the benefits of technology with peace of mind.

    Target Population: Older Adults

    Number of Individuals Served: 241

    Teen & CyberSeniors Program

    Using 4-H’s established “Teens as Teachers” model to deliver classes where youth instruct adults to improve their introductory digital literacy skills, this initiative was offered in partnership with Baltimore County Tech Extension, AARP Senior Planet, CyberSeniors, and 4-H Changemakers.

    Target Population: Senior citizens (older adults) across Baltimore County who aim to improve their introductory digital literacy skills.

    Key Learnings from the Mini-Grants Initiative

    The grant program has revealed several important insights:

    1. Cultural Responsiveness: Tailoring programs to the cultural contexts of target populations enhances engagement and effectiveness.
    2. Mentorship and Leadership: Involving youth in leadership roles not only benefits younger participants but also fosters important skills in youth leaders.
    3. Integrated Learning: Combining digital literacy with other essential skills such as financial literacy and health management results in more holistic benefits.
    4. Addressing the Digital Divide: Special attention is needed to reach underrepresented and digitally marginalized groups effectively.
    5. Adaptability and Flexibility: Programs must be flexible to accommodate changing needs and circumstances of participants.

    Implementation Steps

    To build on the success of these initiatives, the following steps are recommended:

    1. Expand Reach: Increase outreach efforts to engage more participants, particularly in underserved areas.
    2. Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate with more local organizations and community leaders to enhance program delivery and impact.
    3. Enhance Training: Continuously update training materials to include the latest digital tools and best practices.
    4. Monitor and Evaluate: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess program outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
    5. Sustainability: Develop strategies to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives beyond the grant period, including seeking additional funding and resources.

    The UME Marylanders Online Mini-Grant program has helped to build digital literacy in diverse communities in Maryland. By addressing the unique needs of different populations and implementing culturally responsive and innovative approaches, these initiatives have empowered individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Continued efforts and collaboration are essential to build on this progress and ensure that all Marylanders have the opportunity to benefit from digital inclusion.