#digitalequity
Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition
The Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition (BDEC) connects committed organizations and individuals to coordinated efforts that advance digital equity and close the digital divide in Baltimore City. Working under a Collective Impact Model, we are organized around a common agenda, shared measurement systems, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication. With BDEC serving as a backbone support organization focused on collaboration, we maximize resources and have the greatest impact.
Hey Baltimore!
A $30 monthly Internet benefit is available to eligible households in our neighborhoods. Made possible by the American Connectivity Program. Click here to see if you are eligible and/or sign up!
Our Focus
The Digital Equity Coalition will work collaboratively to close the digital divide through 4 main goals:
Access to Devices
To help ensure there are affordable, available, and sufficient devices for all Baltimore residents (students, adults and families), small businesses and community organizations to allow all Baltimore City to be connected.
Greater Internet Connectivity
Ensure there are sufficient options for affordable and available internet connectivity for all.
Digital Skills & Tech Support
Create and deliver educational opportunities for all residents to gain technology skills necessary to be successful and ensure there is technical support for all.
Advocacy
Engaging elected officials, civic leaders, and citizens most affected by the digital divide to advocate for equal access to computers, internet connectivity, and digital literacy.
Local Church Helps Provide Baltimore’s Ashburton Community With Reliable Internet Access
(CBS Local Baltimore WJZ) The COVID-19 pandemic has proved the importance of reliable internet access. Now, members of Baltimore’s Ashburton community can connect to WiFi…
Advocates call on state legislators from Baltimore city to take action on digital equity
(Technical.ly Baltimore) Members of the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition were among the city residents providing testimony to the Baltimore City Delegation this week. It comes…
Disconnected: Students struggle with e-learning obstacles, lawmakers earmark solutions
(Capital News Service) After Kimberly Vasquez’s two younger sisters log into their virtual classrooms from their Baltimore home, there’s barely enough bandwidth left for the…
Digital Harbor Foundation, UMBC win $1.5M grant to grow youth tech programming in Baltimore, Pittsburgh rec centers
(Technical.ly Baltimore) It helps bring the rec-to-tech model for maker and computer science education inside city government-run operations, and supports efforts to develop inclusive programming.…
Helping Undocumented Immigrant Families Stay Connected through COVID-19
BDEC member Nicole Fall of Baltimore Clayworks, spoke with “Marielle” (a pseudonym used on her request) about the impact of COVID-19 and lack of digital…