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
