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
Digital Equity Fund Round 2 – Call for Applications
Applications are now being accepted for a second round of grants through Baltimore City’s Digital Equity Fund. 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.
During this second round of funding, eligible applicants are welcome to apply for funding across three grant categories:
Tier 1: Digital Literacy Education Training (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives under two sub-tiers: Tier 1A – digital literacy education for older adults; Tier 1B – digital literacy education for the wider community in support of tech hubs at recreation centers in underserved areas. Skill areas might include computer basics, using the internet, and digital skills for job seekers.
Tier 2: Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives providing IT fundamental skills training and certification to Baltimore City residents interested in a career in IT. Programming must include opportunities for residents to earn industry-recognized IT certifications. For example, Cisco IT Essentials, including CISCO ITE certification and/or A+ certification, CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), Net+, and Security+.
Tier 3: Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces Programming (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives providing education and programming for digital creatives and virtual makerspaces at local recreation centers throughout Baltimore City. Grantees can use this tier of funding for classes and workshops for digital creatives, and special events to help develop skills in coding, digital media creation, robotics, video editing, and 3D printing.
Eligible applicants are Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations who serve Baltimore residents. Organizations can submit a grant proposal for each grant type. The grant application is open now through July 14, 2024.
Missed an Information Session?
You can view materials and video recordings from those sessions using the links below.
Digital Literacy and IT Fundamentals
May 29, 2024 | View Slide Deck (PDF) | View Video Recording
June 11, 2024 | View Slide Deck (PDF) | View Video Recording
Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces
May 30, 2024 | View Slide Deck (PDF)
June 12, 2024 | View Slide Deck (PDF) | View Video Recording
Wellness and Digital Literacy Programs for Older Adults
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 Location
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
The Digital Literacy Training Program equips older adults with essential digital skills for navigating today’s technology-driven world. Through patient instruction and hands-on practice, older adults can build confidence in using computers, smartphones, tablets, and the internet for everyday tasks and greater connectivity. Training topics include:
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 are below.
Senior Center
Forest Park Senior Center
Monthly/3rd Thursday
12 – 1 p.m.
4801 Liberty Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21207
(410) 466-2124
Greenmount Senior Center
Weekly/Tuesdays
12:30 – 2 p.m.
425 E. Federal Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 528-1552
Hatton Senior Center
Monthly/4th Thursday
10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
2825 Fait Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 396-9025
Harford Senior Center
Monthly/2nd Thursday
12 – 1:30 p.m.
4920 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 426-4009
Oliver Senior Center
Monthly/1st & 3rd Mondays
10 – 11:30 a.m.
1700 N. Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
(410) 396-3861
Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center
Monthly/1st & 2nd Thursdays
10 – 11:30 a.m.
1600 Baker Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-7998
Senior Network of Baltimore
Monthly/2nd & 4th Mondays
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Digital Drop-In Clinic: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
5828 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21212
(410) 323-7131
Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging
Monthly/2nd & 4th Mondays
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Digital Drop-In Clinic: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
4501 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 396-3535
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The Wellness and Digital Literacy programs are the result of a partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Baltimore Health Department’s Division of Aging. These programs are supported by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration and help older adults enhance their digital skills and improve health outcomes.
INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
FreeBmoreWiFi Signage in Baltimore’s Upton Neighborhood
Recently, BDE installed FreeBmoreWiFi signage in Upton, publicizing a crucial step in the expansion of the City’s free public Wi-Fi network.
FreeBmoreWiFi is a cornerstone of Baltimore City’s Digital Inclusion Strategy and its broader efforts to promote digital equity and inclusion citywide.
Why Upton?
The Upton neighborhood, rich in history and culture, is home to a diverse and vibrant community. However, like many of Baltimore’s neighborhoods, it faces challenges related to digital access. By placing FreeBmoreWiFi signage in Upton, the city is making a visible commitment to enhancing connectivity in the area and ensuring residents have the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world.
The installation of FreeBmoreWiFi signage in Upton is one way the City is publicizing Wi-Fi availability as it expands the network. Future phases will include 50 recreation centers, some senior centers, select neighborhoods, and all Baltimore City Main Streets joining the growing list of connected locations.
Where Are Other Active FreeBmoreWiFi Locations?
Baltimore Rowing & Water Resource Center
3301 Waterview Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
Bentalou Recreation Center
222 N. Bentalou Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
Cahill Recreation Center
4001 Clifton Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21216
Cecil Kirk Recreation Center
909 E. 22nd Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Coldstream Recreation Center
1401 Fillmore Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Collington Square Recreation Center
1409 Collington Square
Baltimore, MD 21213
Cylburn Arboretum/Mansion/Vollmer Center
4915 Greenspring Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21209
DeWees Recreation Center
5501 Ivanhoe Road
Baltimore, MD 21212
Druid Hill Park Pool
3002 East Drive
Baltimore, MD 21217
Active
Edgewood-Lyndhurst Recreation Center
835 Allendale Street
Baltimore, MD 21229
Fred B. Leidig Recreation Center
301 S. Beechfield Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21229
Greenmount Recreation Center
2304 Greenmount Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21218
Harford Senior Center
4920 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21214
Harlem Park Recreation Center
700 N. Calhoun Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
Hatton Senior Center
2825 Fait Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
Herring Run Recreation Center
5001 Sinclair Lane
Baltimore, MD 21206
James McHenry Recreation Center
911 Hollins Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
Lakeland Recreation Center
2921 Stranden Road
Baltimore, MD 21230
Madison Square Recreation Center
1400 E. Biddle Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
Medfield Recreation Center
1501 Wood Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21211
Middle Branch Fitness & Wellness Center
201 Reedbird Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21225
Mora Crossman Recreation Center
5900 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
Morrell Park Recreation Center
2651 Tolley Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena
6101 Hillen Road
Baltimore, MD 21239
Northwood Recreation Center
1517 Winford Road
Baltimore, MD 21239
Patterson Park Pool
48 S. Linwood Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
Samuel F.B. Morse Recreation Center
424 S. Pulaski Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
Shake & Bake Family Fun Center/Upton
1601 Pennsylvania Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
Solo Gibbs Recreation Center
1044 Leadenhall Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Waxter Center for Senior Citizens
1000 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
William J. Myers Pavilion
4300 W. Bay Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21225
Woodhome Recreation Center
7310 Moyer Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21234
Baltimore City Chromebook Distribution Updates
To date, 26,071 Baltimore City households have received a Chromebook through the City’s distribution program.
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.
Voices of Digital Equity Podcast Now Airing
Launched April 2024, the Voices of Digital Equity podcast hosts experts, community leaders, advocates, and residents as they unravel the complexities of bridging the digital divide in Baltimore. From tackling socio-economic barriers and digital inclusion initiatives to exploring critical resources, each episode is a journey through the landscape of equity in the digital age.
The Voices of Digital Equity podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Castbox, and Amazon Music. New episodes are also available on technology.baltimorecity.gov.
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.
Read the full Digital Inclusion Strategy.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
In collaboration with Byte Back, the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) successfully connected low-to-moderate income Baltimore residents (especially Black and Latino women) with digital resources. LEDC attributes this success to a multipronged outreach and promotional campaign.
Partnering with O’Hara Development Partners CDC
In 2023, through its Prioritizing Our Women’s Economic Rise (POWER) initiative, LEDC partnered with O’Hara Development Partners CDC on its DevelopHER Baltimore Program to address the unique challenges faced by Black and Brown women in the real estate development industry.
Participants in the DevelopHER Program completed a five-month intensive training to strengthen their abilities as community-focused real estate developers and were honored for their achievements at a graduation ceremony held this past May.
Connect with LEDC
For more information on LEDC programs and resources, visit ledcmetro.org. Make sure to connect with LEDC on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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Latino Economic Development Center is a recipient of a grant from Baltimore City’s Digital Equity Fund. The fund currently supports 22 Baltimore-based organizations with over 27 digital inclusion projects. Learn more about the grantees.
BROADBAND UPDATES
BDE and HABC Partner to Expand Broadband Access to Public Housing
BDE and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) recently broke ground on expanding Baltimore’s middle-mile network to HABC locations. Installation of a Fiber Active Cabinet (FAC) is nearing completion at Westport Homes—one of eight priority locations identified by BDE and HABC.
The FAC unit is designed to boost broadband capacity, improve internet speeds, and make high-speed internet
more affordable for HABC residents and the surrounding community.
Upon installing FAC units to cover all eight priority locations, BDE and HABC will seek proposals from qualified organizations to provide broadband services to residents of those locations.
HABC Priority Locations
HABC Property
Brooklyn Homes (482 housing units)
Cherry Hill Homes (1,281 housing units)
Douglass Homes (387 housing units)
Gilmor Homes (415 housing units)
Latrobe Homes (669 housing units)
McCulloh Homes (556 housing units)
Mt. Winans Homes (52 housing units)
Westport Homes (200 housing units)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Digital Inclusion Community Meeting (Virtual)
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 6 – 7 p.m.
Join members of the BDE team for important updates on programs and resources designed to help residents overcome the digital divide. Topics covered include access to devices, digital skills training opportunities, and much more. Register now.
Digital Inclusion Week (October 7 – 13) Events Hosted by BDE
Digital Equity Forum
October 8, 2024 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location TBD
Community leaders, policymakers, educators, and technology experts will convene to discuss strategies for achieving digital equity. The forum will provide a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and innovative solutions to ensure all individuals have access to digital technologies and the skills needed to use them effectively.
Digital Equity Public Meeting
October 9, 2024 | Time TBD
Cherry Hill Homes Community Center
2700 Spelman Road, Baltimore, MD 21225
Baltimore City residents are invited to attend this meeting to discuss challenges navigating the digital divide, share ideas, and learn about resources and programs aimed at improving access to technology, internet services, and digital skills training. This meeting in held in partnership with HABC.
Digital Equity Resource Fair
October 11, 2024 | 3 – 7 p.m.
201 Aisquith Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Baltimore City residents and their families are invited to attend to get essential information on how to access free or low-cost internet services, devices, digital skills training, technical support, and more.
What is Digital Inclusion Week?
Created by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), Digital Inclusion Week is an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration. Across the country, organizations and individuals host events and initiatives to showcase the benefits of digital equity and why it matters. To learn more about Digital Inclusion Week, visit NDIA’s website.
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.