The Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC) is a statewide "coalition of coalitions" and an informal community of practice committed to advancing digital equity and inclusion across the state. MDEC brings together partners from across regions and sectors to coordinate strategy, amplify local efforts, and support long-term, community-driven digital inclusion. MDEC does not provide direct services. Instead, it strengthens and supports the work of local coalitions, advocates, and organizations across Maryland. Anyone who is interested in advancing digital inclusion in Maryland is invited to be an MDEC member.

MDEC's Purpose

• Unify and align Maryland’s digital equity efforts
• Support and strengthen Digital Opportunity Work—not supplant them
• Foster cross-sector collaboration for systems-level impact
• Amplify community voice in digital inclusion policy and practice
• Mentor and support new coalitions in underrepresented or underserved areas
• Integrate digital equity into public systems, services, and funding streams

As MDEC continues to grow in strength, membership, and direction, we would like to help onboard new members by supplying them with the MDEC Welcome Packet, the MDEC Group Agreements, and the MDEC Membership Directory.

The MDEC Welcome Packet is an MDEC member handbook, introducing the mission of the coalition, its core values, strategic direction, resources, participation information, and engagement opportunities.

The MDEC Group Agreements outline shared expectations for how the coalition will foster inclusive engagement, clear communication, and collective impact to ensure participation is meaningful, equitable, and community-led.

The MDEC Membership Summary reflects the geographic service coverage of current MDEC member organizations, based on self-reported data. Email Teri Mumm to be added to the MDEC directory.

Join an MDEC Committee

Whether you’re a long-time advocate or just getting involved, there’s a place for you in MDEC. Equitable access to the digital world necessitates a collective effort, shared learning, and collaboration across various sectors and communities. That’s why MDEC offers multiple ways to engage—on your own terms.

General Membership

Stay connected through event invites, updates, and resource sharing. Ideal for organizations and individuals who want to stay informed and aligned with statewide digital equity efforts.

Core Working Group

Help shape strategy, share best practices, and engage more deeply with other leaders working on digital inclusion across Maryland.

Subcommittees

Roll up your sleeves and contribute directly to key focus areas:

• Policy – Monitor and advocate for digital equity legislation and funding
• Communications – Amplify success stories and build public awareness
• Digital Opportunity Summit Planning – Help organize our statewide convening

For more information about MDEC, to join, or to sign up for an MDEC subcommittee, please email Teri Mumm.

2025 Digital Opportunity Summit Planning

The 2025 Maryland Digital Opportunity Summit will take place on October 15th in Silver Spring, MD. This year's summit is set to be the biggest yet, bringing together 200 leaders across government, education, healthcare, technology, and community organizations. Together, we’ll advance broadband access, digital skills development, and economic opportunity for all Marylanders.

Summit Goals:

• Advance digital equity through sustainable funding and programming
• Strengthen workforce development and digital skills
• Foster partnerships and resource sharing
• Highlight innovative digital inclusion initiatives 
• Ensure statewide engagement and accessibility

Content Tracks

• Workforce Development (skills, resilience, AI impact)
• Infrastructure (broadband, device access)
• Policy & Advocacy (success stories, advocacy 101)
• Community Engagement (coalition building, local programs)
• Skill Sharing & Networking (speed networking, vendor tables)

Summit Sponsorship Opportunities

The 2025 Summit relies on sponsorships, and we need MDEC's support to ensure this event is accessible, impactful, and a success. This year’s summit will take place at the Silver Spring Civic Building, a space generously provided by the Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) and sponsored by the Montgomery County Government. With your help, we can secure additional sponsorships that will expand our ability to offer valuable resources, increase engagement opportunities, and strengthen momentum for advancing digital opportunities across Maryland.

MDEC Resources

The Digital Equity Grant Planning Webinar Series wrapped up in June with nearly 400 digital inclusion practitioners in attendance. This series was designed to support organizations in securing grant funding and developing sustainable, impactful digital skills education programs. Click here to explore the slides and key takeaways from the series and learn how Marylanders Online is partnering to support communities, expand resources, and drive digital equity across the state.

The 2025 Empowering Health Webinar Series concluded in June. This eight-part series was attended by 450 individuals and offered an exploration into the future of health technology, addressing digital literacy, disparities in technology access, and the role of policy and media in combating health misinformation and building public trust. Find links to the presenters’ slides and session recordings on the Marylanders Online website.

Digital Inclusion Events

Email Julie Slivka to submit your events

Scams 101 - August 5th - 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Learn the basics of how to identify and prevent today's most common scams.

AI Scams - August 12th - 4:30 PM - 6:00PM

Learn how scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing frauds—and how you can spot and avoid them.

Estafas 101 - 19 de agosto - 4:30 PM - 6:00PM

Aprende los conceptos básicos sobre cómo identificar y prevenir las estafas más comunes de hoy en día.