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    • Picture of MDEC Members at the 2025 Digital Opportunity Day in Annapolis.

    Image Credit: Image by Josh Bokee

    Author: Julie Slivka

    Dec 22, 2025

    Marylanders Online Partners


    Marylanders Online continues to grow its impact through meaningful partnerships with more than 270 organizations at the local, county, state, regional, and national levels. These collaborations are advancing digital opportunities that support vocational training, civic engagement, social connection, online safety, and digital skills development across the state. Each partnership emphasizes culturally and linguistically relevant approaches that meet communities where they are. Many of these partners are involved in the Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC), which fosters statewide digital inclusion efforts to build a more connected, informed, and empowered Maryland.

    Our partners include:

    A Mother's Cry

    A Prosperous Tomorrow

    AARP -  Senior Planet

    Allegany County Government

    Allegany County Public Library

    America's Hauling for Hope

    American Connection Corps

    American Job Center of Washington County

    AmeriCorps

    Apple

    Applied Technology Services

    Asylee Women Enterprise

    Baltimore City Community College - Refugee Youth Project

    Baltimore City Information Technology

    Baltimore City Recreation & Parks

    Baltimore County Department on Aging

    Baltimore County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employee Advisory Council

    Baltimore County Government - Recreation Activity Centers

    Baltimore County Public Library

    Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition (BDEC)

    Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

    Berlin 50 plus Center

    Blindshell

    Boys & Girls Club of Washington County

    Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland

    Breezeline

    Brentwood Apartments

    Bridges

    Brookings Institution

    Bykota Senior Center

    Calvert County 4-H

    Calvert County Community Resources

    Calvert County Office of the Administrator

    Calvert County Office of Aging

    Calvert County Public Library

    Calvert Pines Senior Center

    Carevocacy

    Caring Carroll

    Carroll Digital Equity Coalition

    Carroll Technology & Innovation Council

    CASA

    CASH Campaign of Maryland

    Cause Engagement Associates

    Cecil County Library

    Center for Democracy & Technology

    Central Baltimore Partnership

    Charles County Community Services

    Charles County Department of Community Resources

    Charles County Office Of Aging

    Charles County Police Department

    Charles County Public Library

    Charles County Public Schools

    Charles County Sheriff's Department

    Charles County Teen Court

    Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry

    Chesapeake Drone Ag

    City of College Park

    City of Frostburg Housing Authority

    Town of Hagerstown Housing Authority

    City of Hyattsville

    City of Salisbury

    Closing The Gap Coalition

    Coaching Salud Holistica

    Comcast

    CommonHealth ACTION

    Community Action Council

    Community Development Network of Maryland (CND)

    Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

    Coppin State University

    Davis Hill Development

    Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions

    Digital Harbor Foundation

    Digital Harbor Foundation - Project Waves

    digitalLIFT

    Dorchester County Library

    EducationSuperHighway

    EduMatch

    El Centro Latino de Frederick

    Enoch Pratt Free Library

    Enterprise Residential

    Familia Solutions

    Federal Communications Commission

    Garrett County Government

    Garrett County Public Library

    Garrett County Senior Center

    Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center

    Girls Inc. of Washington County

    Goodwill

    Googl

    Governor's Workforce Development Board

    Grace House

    Hable

    Hagerstown Community College

    Hagerstown Housing Authority

    Hagerstown Housing Authority of Washington County

    HALO Ministry

    Harford County Department of Social Services

    Harford County Department of Social Services - Havre De Grace

    Health Tequity

    Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)

    Hereford Senior Center

    Hollywood Elementary School Parents Association

    Horizon Farm Credit

    Housing Authority of Allegany County

    Housing Authority of Baltimore City

    Housing Authority of the City of Frostburg

    Howard County Community College

    Howard County Office of Aging and Independence

    Howard County Office of Children and Families

    Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families

    Image Center for People with Disabilities

    Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law and Society (TRAILS)

    Institute of Museum and Library Services

    International High School

    Johns Hopkins - 21st Century Cities Initiative

    Johns Hopkins - Center for Health Disparities Solutions

    Kent County Government

    Kent County Public Library

    KID Museum of Bethesda

    Lakeland Civic Association

    Latino Economic Development Center

    Lead for America

    LEAD Maryland Foundation

    Lead4Life

    LGBTQ Tech

    Libraries 4 Digital Equity

    Lifestyles of Southern Maryland

    Living Change

    Lower Shore Health Coalition

    MAC Center

    Marian House

    Maryland Accessible Telecommunications

    Maryland Bridges Technical Assistance Center

    Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE)

    Maryland Department of Agriculture

    Maryland Department of Disabilities - Information Technology Accessibility Initiative

    Maryland Department of Education

    Maryland Department of Health  - Developmental Disabilities Administration

    Maryland Department of Health - Healthy Heart Living Collaborative

    Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

    Maryland Department of Information Technology

    Maryland Department of Labor

    Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Workforce Development & Adult Learning

    Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

    Maryland Department of Rehabilitative Services

    Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC)

    Maryland Library Association

    Maryland Rural Development Council

    Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA)

    Maryland State Library Association

    Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

    Maryland Zoo

    MarylandROPTA

    Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition

    Minary's Dream Alliance

    Montgomery Connects

    Montgomery County Government

    Montgomery County Public Schools - Wheaton High School

    My Tech / Apollo's Dream Foundation

    National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE)

    National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)

    National Digital Education Extension Team (NDEET)

    National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)

    National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

    New Psalmist Baptist Church

    Newton Community Center

    North Oaks Senior Living

    North Point Senior Living

    Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD)

    NPower

    Office of the Comptroller of Maryland

    The Ohio State University

    One Language LLC

    Penn State Extension

    Pennsylvania State University

    People's Community Alliance

    Pew Charitable Trusts

    Pioneer

    Prince George's County Memorial Library System

    Purple Line Corridor Coalition

    Queen Anne's County Government

    Queen Anne's County Library

    RAZ Mobility

    RealSam

    Refugee Network of Washington County

    Refugee Welcome Network

    Residences at Hampstead School

    Robert J Fuller House

    Robert W. Deutsch Foundation

    Rural Maryland Council (RMC)

    SafeInHome

    Salisbury Library

    SanFranciscoo Tech Council

    Schools Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition

    Science Leaf LLC

    Sharp Insights LLC

    ShoreRivers

    SkillSmart

    Snow Hill 50plus Center

    Somerset County Libraries

    Southern Maryland Regional Library Association (SMRLA)

    St Mark's Catholic Church

    St. Mary's Department of IT

    St. Mary's Office of Aging

    St. Mary's Outreach Center

    St. Mary's Public Library

    State Office of Rural Health

    State Office of Policy, Planning, & Innovation (SOPPI)

    Sunrise Solar

    Talbot County Library

    Techstars AI Health Baltimore

    Telamon

    Telecommunications Access of Maryland - Maryland RELAY

    The Arc Maryland

    The Arc of Southern Maryland

    The CareerCatchers, Inc.

    The Laryngectomee Club of Montgomery County, Maryland

    The Metamorphosis Community Project, Inc.

    Ting Mobile

    Tomlin Technology

    Town of Hagerstown Housing Authority

    Transform Howard

    Truist

    University of Maryland Medical System

    UMD College of Information

    UMD Communication Access Services (CAS)

    UMD Department of Communication

    UMD Office of Community Engagement

    UMD School of Public Policy: Do Good Institute

    UME - Baltimore County 4-H

    UME 4-H - Teens as Teachers

    UME Family and Consumer Sciences

    UME Precision Agriculture Lab

    UME SNAPed

    UME Wicomico County 4-H

    UME Worcester County 4-H

    United Way of Frederick County

    University of California, UC Davis School of Medicine

    University of Georgia

    University of Idaho Extension

    University of Maryland - College of Education - Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership

    University of Maryland - The Universities at Shady Grove

    University of Maryland Extension

    University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC)

    University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center

    University of Maryland School of Medicine

    University of Maryland School of Public Health

    University of Maryland School of Social Work

    University of Maryland School of Social Work Office of Continuing Professional Education

    Urban Institute

    USDA - Farm Service Agency (FSA)

    USDA-  Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    USDA- Foreign Agricultural Service (DF)

    Verizon

    Washington County Community Action Council

    Washington County Free Public Library

    Washington County Government

    Washington County Public Housing Authority

    Western Maryland Consortium

    Westminster Overlook

    Wheaton Library

    Wicomico County Health Department

    Wicomico County Partnership for Families and Children

    Worcester County Health Department

    Worcester County Libraries

    Worcester County Public Schools

    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.