Stay current on what’s happening in digital equity in Baltimore City—from programs and initiatives to events. This is the latest information from the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE), a division of the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology (BCIT).
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Launched April 2023, the Digital Equity Fund supports the creation of community-led digital inclusion plans and provides funding for communities to bring those plans to life. The fund currently supports 22 Baltimore-based organizations with over 27 digital inclusion projects.
Digital Equity Fund grantees have actively engaged residents to provide digital services—ranging from affordable Wi-Fi access and technological devices to digital skills training. To date, Digital Equity Fund grantees have successfully delivered digital services to over 570 residents. To learn more about the fund and the grantees, visit technology.baltimorecity.gov.
Digital Equity Fund Networking Event
In March, Digital Equity Fund grant recipients participated in an enriching networking opportunity to exchange insights and foster potential collaborations. Throughout the event, grantees engaged in a variety of activities meticulously curated to facilitate networking and collaboration. From structured sessions to informal discussions, the networking event provided grantees with a platform to share ideas on how to bridge the digital divide in Baltimore's communities.
Wellness and Digital Literacy Programs Offer Boost to the Wellbeing of Older Adults
Through a partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Baltimore Health Department’s Division of Aging, wellness and digital literacy training programs are in full swing at Baltimore’s senior centers. These programs help older adults enhance their digital skills and improve health outcomes.
Wellness Program
The Wellness Program connects older adults to healthcare resources and services, ensuring senior centers can help address the digital divide in healthcare access. Currently, the Wellness Program is active at the Harford Senior Center, Oliver Senior Center, and the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central and Penn North locations. During operating hours, older adults can visit these locations on Mondays and Wednesdays for the following wellness services:
Telehealth education
General health assessments
Blood pressure checks
Medicine education
Assistance with locating healthcare providers
Referrals for care
Health education and promotion
Wellness Program Locations
Harford Senior Center
4920 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 426-4009
Enoch Pratt Central Library
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 396-5430
Enoch Pratt Pennsylvania Avenue Branch
1531 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0399
Oliver Senior Center
1700 N. Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
(410) 396-3861
Digital Literacy Training Program
The Digital Literacy Training Program empowers older adults with digital skills essential for navigating today’s technology-driven world. Through patient instruction and hands-on practice older adults will build confidence in using computers, smartphones, tablets, and the internet for everyday tasks and greater connectivity. Training topics include, but are not limited to:
Introduction to the Internet
Computer Basics
Cell Phone Basics
Social Media
Chromebook and Keyboard Basics
Staying Safe Online
Introduction to Google Calendar
Introduction to Google Docs
Schedule and location details for the Digital Literacy Training Program at senior centers are below:
Forest Park Senior Center
Monthly/3rd Thursday
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
4801 Liberty Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21207
(410) 466-2124
Greenmount Senior Center
Weekly/Tuesday
12:30 – 2 p.m.
425 E. Federal Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 528-1552
Hatton Senior Center
Monthly/4th Thursday
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
2825 Fait Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 396-9025
Harford Senior Center
Monthly/2nd Thursday
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
4920 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 426-4009
Oliver Senior Center
Monthly/1st & 3rd Monday
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
1700 N. Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
(410) 396-3861
Sandtown-Winchester
Monthly/1st & 2nd Thursday
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
1600 Baker Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-7998
Senior Network of Baltimore
Monthly/4th Thursday
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
5828 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21212
(410) 323-7131
Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging
Monthly/4th Monday
12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
4501 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 396-3535
Have You Checked Out Baltimore City’s Digital Inclusion Strategy?
Released December 2023, Baltimore City’s Digital Inclusion Strategy aims to further develop Baltimore’s digital infrastructure and help residents and businesses harness the power of technology for their benefit and the betterment of Baltimore.
Four actionable goals anchor the strategy and help guide the city’s activities and investments in the digital ecosystem.
Reliable High-Speed Internet: Starting with the most underserved communities, Baltimore City residents will have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet based on investments in future-proof fiber optic networks.
Technology and Devices: Baltimore City residents will be able to get a modern computing device.
Digital Skills Training: Baltimore City residents will have access to digital skills training, helping them use computing devices and safely navigate the internet.
Technical Support: Baltimore City residents will receive technical support — in multiple languages — to master internet access and devices.
Read the full Digital Inclusion Strategy.
INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Tech Hubs at Recreation Centers Reach Milestone with Completion of Phase 2
Phase two of the tech hub initiative at Baltimore’s recreation centers sees the deployment of Chromebooks to various recreation centers for public use, vastly expanding opportunities for learning, skills development, and digital access.
During operating hours, residents can stop by the following recreation centers to use a Chromebook on site for free.
Bentalou
222 N. Bentalou Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-0105
Number of devices available: 15
Cahill
4001 Clifton Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21216
(410) 396-0259
Number of devices available: 20
Carroll F. Cook
5061 E. Eager Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 396-9089
Number of devices available: 15
Cecil Kirk
909 E. 22nd Street
Baltimore, MD
(410) 396-6750
Number of devices available: 15
Coldstream
1401 Fillmore Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 396-6746
Number of devices available: 10
Curtis Bay
1630 Filbert Street
Baltimore, MD 21226
(410) 396-1811
Number of devices available: 20
Edgewood-Lyndhurst
835 Allendale Street
Baltimore, MD 21229
(443) 984-3105
Number of devices available: 20
Ella Bailey
100 E. Heath Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 396-4634
Number of devices available: 20
Farring-Baybrook
4501 Farring Court
Brooklynn, MD 21225
(410) 396-2595
Number of devices available: 15
Fred B. Leidig
301 S. Beechfield Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21229
(410) 396-0073
Number of devices available: 15
Greenmount
2304 Greenmount Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 396-6708
Number of devices available: 10
Harlem Park
700 N. Calhoun Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
(443) 984-1293
Number of devices available: 10
Herring Run
5001 Sinclair Lane
Baltimore, MD 21206
(410) 396-3060
Number of devices available: 10
James McHenry
911 Hollins Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-5016
Number of devices available: 10
Locust Point
1627 E. Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 837-4423
Number of devices available: 20
Madison Square
1400 E. Biddle Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
(410) 396-9284
Number of devices available: 20
Medfield
1501 Woodheights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21211
(443) 690-2698
Number of devices available: 10
Middle Branch
201 Reedbird Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21225
(410) 396-9527
Number of devices available: 20
Mora Crossman
701 Rappolla Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 396-9222
Number of devices available: 15
Mount Royal
120 W. Mosher Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0374
Number of devices available: 20
Northwood
1517 Winford Road
Baltimore, MD 21239
(410) 396-6696
Number of devices available: 20
Rita Church
2101 St. Lo Drive
Baltimore, MD 21213
(410) 396-8958
Number of devices available: 20
Robert C. Marshall
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 396-8490
Number of devices avaialable: 20
Roosevelt
1221 W. 36th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 396-6050
Number of devices available: 15
Samuel F.B. Morse
424 S. Pulaski Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 396-3717
Number of devices available: 10
Solo Gibbs
1044 Leadenhall Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 837-8172
Number of devices available: 10
Towanda
4100 Towanda Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
(443) 984-9763
Number of devices available: 15
Upton Boxing Center
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
(443) 984-2588
Number of devices available: 10
Woodhome
7310 Moyer Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21234
(410) 396-6703
Number of devices available: 20
Learn more about tech hubs in our December 2023 issue.
Baltimore City Chromebook Distribution Updates
To date, nearly 20,000 Baltimore City households have received a Chromebook. An achievement made possible through a distribution partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library and several community partners:
Thread
Maryland Family Network
Housing Authority of Baltimore City
Enterprise Community Development
Project Waves
Baltimore residents in need a of device, can visit prattlibrary.org/getadevice to learn more about eligibility and qualification requirements and make an appointment at the nearest pickup location. Residents can get assistance with making an appointment by contacting Marylanders Online at (301) 405-9810.
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In partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore City is distributing 50,000 Chromebooks to eligible households in need of devices. The Chromebooks were secured through a grant from the State of Maryland’s Connected Devices program, which is managed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and assists counties and municipal governments in their digital equity and inclusion efforts.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Code in the Schools, a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization, focuses its mission on addressing the underrepresentation of youth in technology-related fields. By eliminating structural barriers and educational inequalities, Code in the Schools aims to create opportunities for all. Through its weekly computer build classes and technical assistance to Baltimore residents, the organization has exceeded its goals.
Collaboration with Greenmount West Community Center
Code in the Schools successfully trained Maryland Service Fellow and Baltimore resident Colby Davis to serve as the digital equity coordinator for the Greenmount West Community Center. Colby’s training gives him the knowledge needed to address the digital inclusion needs within the center and the wider Greenmount West community, while also providing hands-on technical training to youth.
To commemorate this accomplishment, Code in the Schools and the Greenmount West Community Center hosted an open house event in February. During the open house, students, their families, and members of the community learned more about Colby’s experience as a Maryland Service Fellow and Greenmount West Community Center’s digital equity coordinator. Open house participants also got a chance to engage in hands-on technical activities, including using virtual reality headsets.
For more information about Code in the Schools’ programs and resources, visit codeintheschools.org/sy24. Make sure to connect with Code in the Schools on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.
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Code in the Schools is a recipient of a grant from Baltimore City’s Digital Equity Fund. The fund supports the creation of community-led digital inclusion plans and provides funding for communities to bring those plans to life. Learn more about the Digital Equity Fund grantees.
BROADBAND UPDATES
FreeBmoreWiFi Coverage Map Now Available
Expansion of FreeBmoreWiFi, Baltimore’s free public Wi-Fi network, continues across the city, ensuring residents can stay connected, informed, and engaged with their community.
Keep track of the City’s expansion efforts with the all-new FreeBmoreWiFi Coverage Map. Use the map to view both active and planned FreeBmoreWiFi locations. View the coverage map here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Digital Inclusion Community Meeting (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Residents can join members of the BDE team for important updates on programs and resources designed to help residents overcome the digital divide. Topics covered include Baltimore City’s Chromebook Distribution Program, the Affordable Connectivity Program, digital skills training opportunities, and much more. Register now.
CONNECT WITH US
Make sure you sign up to receive the bi-monthly update and other digital equity and inclusion news from the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity. Sign up now.
Make sure to follow BCIT on these social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.