September 2023
Volume 1 | Issue 8 | September 1, 2023
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What is Marylanders Online? | |
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Marylanders Online is a free, statewide program working to build bridges over Maryland’s digital divide by making tech support, digital devices, and connectivity resources available to all residents.
Any person residing in the state of Maryland can connect with Marylanders Online - a no-cost service staffed by a team of trained Digital Navigators providing computer help and technology support. Services are provided through one-on-one virtual or telephone sessions, as well as on-site training and events. Marylanders Online programs and support are available in English, Spanish, and other languages upon request.
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The Marylanders Online hotline received 865 calls in the month of August, which is a 259% increase from July. | |
For the Public: Resources for Internet and Devices | |
For Partners: Materials to Download and Share | |
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Marylanders Online marketing and promotional materials are available for download on the website. Printed versions can be shipped to agency sites upon request.
Digital Navigators can also travel to regional locations to support agency device distribution events by offering on-site device set up and program support. Train-the-trainer programs are also available to empower agencies to offer their own community-based computer training and support services internally. Email us to learn more or set up an event.
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Shelita Jackson
UME Tech Educator
Shelita Jackson is a Western Maryland-based UME Tech Educator serving Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. She brings to the team a diverse background in administration, customer service, human resources, and management. Shelita has a strong desire to open the door to technology for all Marylanders by enhancing the digital literacy skills of her community. Shelita also offers assistance with signing up for government resources - such as free or discounted digital devices or broadband access - where available. Shelita has a B.S. in Business Administration and a M.S. in Management with a Specialization in Human Resources. Get in touch with her today!
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Marylanders Online will be ready and available at these local events to assist with the ACP program, device set-up, tech help, and more. View the full calendar.
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Chromebook Distribution Events
Event details: Click here
Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Waldorf West Library
Date: Monday, September 18, 2023
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: La Plata Library
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: PD Brown Library
Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Nanjemoy Community Center
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Indian Head Community Center
Date: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Potomac Library
For more distribution events, please visit Charles County's website or call 301-934-9305.
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Chromebook Distribution Events
Event details: Click here
Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023
Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Location: Garrett College Building 100, Room 107-D
For more distribution events, please visit Garrett County's website or call 301-914-1543.
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Chromebook Distribution Events
Event details: Click here
Date: Friday, September 1, 2023
Time: 3:00 pm –7:00 pm
Location: Executive Office Buidling - 101 Monroe St. Rockville, MD 20850
Date: Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: McGee Library – 900 Wayne Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Aspen Hill Library – 4407 Aspen Hill Rd, Rockville, MD 20853
Date: Friday, September 8, 2023
Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: White Oak Community Recreation Center – 1700 April Ln, Silver Spring, MD 20904
Date: Monday, September 11, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Montgomery College Takoma Park
For more distribution events, please visit Montgomery County's website.
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Chromebook Distribution Events
Event details: Click here
Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Lexington Park Library
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Leonardtown Library
For more distribution events, please visit St. Mary's County's website.
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UME Represents at the Northeast Digital Equity Summit
UME Digital Navigation Program Manager, Vishnu Desai, and Tech Educator, Maria Barga, will be representing Marylanders Online at the Northeast Digital Equity Summit on a panel presenting on, " Effective Partnership for Digital Equity: Lessons and Best Practices from the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Digital Navigation Program". They will share data, lessons learned and best practices on extension partnerships with external stakeholders. Learn more.
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Marylanders Online In The News | |
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Momentum Magazine
University of Maryland - College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Summer 2023
"A 2021 report from the Abell Foundation shared that 520,000 Maryland households don’t have access to wireline broadband at home and 290,000 households don't have access to a desktop, laptop, or tablet device,” said Mega Subramaniam, professor and associate dean of faculty for the College of Information Studies." Read more.
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Montgomery County
July 13, 2023
"Montgomery Connects received a Maryland Connected Devices grant valued at $7 million to distribute 34,000 Chromebook laptops to low-income households." Read more or read on WTOP.
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Technical.ly
August 30, 2023
"We observed similar digital navigation efforts from organizations such as NPower and Tech Extension at the University of Maryland Extension, both of which now feature dedicated helplines.” Read more.
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University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office.
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