Marylanders Online Newsletter
March 2026
| | 2026 Digital Navigator Training | | Registration is open for the University of Maryland Extension's annual digital navigator training. The 2026 MONET training cohort offers a free and flexible option for certification, blending self-paced online modules and drop-in live instruction sessions. This training cohort is open to anyone who provides digital resource navigation in Maryland, including library staff, educators, community health workers, social workers, government employees, students, and volunteers. Developed by UME and the College of Information, the Marylanders Online Education Toolkit (MONET) is a nationally-recognized curriculum that offers a new standard in digital navigator certification. | |
2026 Cohort Overview
- Rolling enrollment - register anytime and join between March and July
- Free for anyone who serves the Maryland public
- Live instruction sessions, offered twice-weekly (must attend 3)
- Self-paced online UMD open learning modules (12)
- Office hours offered weekly (optional)
- View the full schedule online
| | |
Live Instruction Sessions
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m
Thursdays, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
| | |
Weekly Drop-In Office Hours
Wednesdays
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
| | |
MONET Graduates will Earn
- Certificate of completion
- 3 CEUs from the University of Maryland (UMD)
- Data-backed strategies for successful programs
- Toolkits and resources for building digital confidence
-
Unlimited networking and partnership connections
| | | | Weekly Digital Navigator Workgroup | |
Digital Navigator Lunch Bunch
Wednesdays 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Open to anyone who provides digital navigation services, the Lunch Bunch is an opportunity to network, share resources, program successes or challenges, and form connections that advance the efforts of the Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC).
Email Teri Mumm for Zoom link.
| | | Health and Technology Conference | | The Empowering Health Conference will be held live on Zoom on May 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event moves beyond digital literacy and into a future of health and technology innovation that is sustainable, responsible, and human-centered. Free and open to the public. | | | | UME Tech Educator Gabriel Fumero has partnered with Cheers to provide digital skills training to Montgomery County residents. Recent workshop topics have ranged from Google Workspace tools, Salesforce, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. | | | | Have you seen the new tool featured on our website? Check out the newly launched AI Chatbot, a powerful new resource from UME Marylanders Online that is able to provide 24/7, multilingual digital navigation support. Read more | | | | Digital Navigator Getachew Ferede held an AI, Online & Phone Scams training at Towson's Blackhurst Senior Residency in early March. This training was developed in response to community requests, and participants attended ready to learn, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in group discussion. | |
Tech Support Helpline
The Marylanders Online call center offers free tech support, digital resource navigation, and connection to local partner services. Learn more.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Call Toll-Free:1-866-206-8467
Email: MarylandersOnline@umd.edu
| | |
Self-Paced Digital Learning Modules
Explore free, open-source training courses developed by UME Marylanders Online in partnership with the University of Maryland College of Information. Click the buttons below to learn more.
| |
Digital Empowerment News
Events, Resources, & Opportunities
| |
Offering Digital Literacy Programs or Classes?
Marylanders Online wants to help you spread the word! Let us know by
| | | | |
March 4, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Boal Community Center, Westernport
Stop by for basic tech help and get answers to your computer, tablet, or smartphone questions.
March 21, 10:30 a.m - 1 p.m.
South Cumberland Library
Learn resume writing and job searching tips to boost your career. Register here or by calling 301-724-1607
| | | |
Kent County
Kent County Public Library is offering Tech Help Drop-In Hours on Mondays from 11 AM - 1 PM at the Chestertown Branch. Call 410-778-3636 or use the online scheduler.
| | | |
Prince George's County
Employ Prince George's is hosting a series of Computer Literacy Workshops to help residents take the first step toward becoming more comfortable with everyday technology through guided instruction and hands-on learning. Multiple dates offered.
Register here
| | | |
Talbot County
March 14: In-Person MY Tech Clinic at Easton Branch
Register here
April 25: In-Person MY Tech Clinic at Easton Branch
Register here
May 2: Spring Worcester County Free Tech Clinic Ocean Pines Library
Register here
| | |
TAM Grant Opportunity
Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM) Community Access Grants are now open. $20,000 of total grant funding is available for projects or initiatives that meet the communication and access needs of Marylanders. Proposal must be completed by March 31, 2026. Learn more
Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition (BDEC) Meetings
BDEC coalition-wide meetings are held online every other month on the first Wednesday at 12 p.m. Upcoming meeting dates: May 6, 2026; July 1, 2026; September 2, 2026; November 4, 2026. Email boardchair@digitalequitybaltimore.org for more information.
Queen Anne's Library County Social Services
QAC Library now has social services representatives on location at from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. each month. Stop by to learn more about Temporary Cash Assistance, SNAP benefits, health insurance options, and other e-government resources. Learn more
Baltimore City Free Public Wi-FI
FreeBmoreWiFi is available indoors and outdoors at recreation centers, senior centers, and specific neighborhoods throughout the city. To find out whether you are within range, check the interactive map on the Baltimore City FreeBmoreWiFi website. Learn More
| | |
Building a Digital Skills Curriculum? Read This First
February 27, 2026 | NDIA
Screening by Health Care Systems for Barriers to Patient Engagement With Digital Health Care: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
February 25, 2026 | JMIR Publications
NTIA Hears from the Public on How to Best Use BEAD Savings
February 13, 2026 | NTIA
HB0297 Workforce Development
Adult Education – High School Diploma Pathways – GED Option Pilot Program and MDiplomaWorks Pathway has passed both chambers - Read the bill
Maryland Apprenticeship Awards
Maryland will join states all across the country in observing National Apprenticeship Week, April 26 - May 2, 2026, a nationwide celebration where employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, education providers, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship. Submit a Nomination
Governor Moore Announces $2.6 Million in Additional Industry-Led EARN Workforce Development Grants
January 20, 2026 | Maryland Office of the Governor
Broadband Funding Is Approved. Now Comes the Work
January 15, 2026 | The Pew Charitable Trusts
| | | |
Digital Resource Linktree
For the latest news on digital inclusion training, events, programs, and other opportunities, bookmark our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/marylandersonline.
To stay current with the latest in Maryland digital inclusion progress, be sure to follow our socials.
| | | | |
