BaltimoreCityIT

Last week, BCIT hosted a closing ceremony for grantees from cycle one of Digital Equity Fund. This was an opportunity for us to celebrate our community partners who are helping bridge the digital divide in Baltimore. Their efforts and dedication have made and continue to make a significant impact on many residents. ??? Thank you to Lulu Wang, Director of Telehealth Education at MedStar Health; Beth Watkins, Deputy Director of Asylee Women Enterprise; and Lillian Trotman, Program Coordinator at Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization, for participating in our panel discussion. A special thank you to the Annie E. Casey Foundation for letting us host the closing ceremony at its Mt. Vernon location. For more information about the Digital Equity Fund and the cycle one grantees, visit bde.baltimorecity.gov. ?????? #DigitalEquityChampions #ClosingCeremony #BaltimoreCityIT ??????

Well DONE, BaltimoreCityIT and the City of Baltimore! Congrats for the implementation of #Blockchain used for #LandTitles. #Maryland just keeps leading the way... Gov. Wes Moore, Brandon M. Scott, We see what you are doing! #GBA #Innovation #DMV

?? Honorable Mention for Team of the Year: Office of Broadband and Digital Equity ?? We are excited to announce BCIT's Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) received an honorable mention for 2024 Team of the Year from the City of Baltimore! A few of the accomplishments that got BDE nominated include:? ? ??In partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library and a host of community partners, BDE has distributed 40,000 Chromebooks. ? ??Released Baltimore's first-ever digital inclusion strategy to help achieve a more equitable and inclusive city.? ? ??Launched Baltimore's free public Wi-Fi network (FreeBmoreWiFi) and an interactive coverage map: https://lnkd.in/ewDSd69K.? ? ??Awarded more than $2M in grants to Baltimore-based organizations to help address gaps in access to technology and digital skills training.? ? Join us in celebrating and congratulating BDE for this significant honor. If you'd like more details on BDE's achievements or resources for residents, email [email protected] or call (443) 984-9740.????????? #BCIT#BDE #DigitalEquity #DigitalInclusion #Empowerment

This is just a reminder that Baltimore City ranked third highest-performing jurisdiction out of 170 U.S. cities and counties in investing ARPA to advance racial and economic equity by the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School The Mayor's Office of Recovery Programs is proud that our commitment to advancing equity through ARPA has received national recognition. After reviewing July 2023 data submitted to the Treasury, the Institute found that Baltimore devoted 81% of $336.7 million in obligated funds towards equity-focused investments, as defined by their classifications. To learn more, read our press release in our NEWS section (arp.baltimorecity.gov/news) and visit the Budget Equity Project at the Institute here: https://lnkd.in/gzzsmUVd.

??Exciting News! ?? Tune in tomorrow to Urban View Mornings on Sirius XM radio channel 126 to listen to BCIT’s dedicated Director of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) Kenya Asli share her invaluable insights on bridging the digital divide in Baltimore. Remember, if you have a Sirius XM account, tune in live to catch the interview. Can't listen live? No worries! The interview will be available on the urban view morning host Lamont king’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3Ach7de. Stay informed and empowered as we work towards a more digitally inclusive future. ???? #DigitalEquity #BridgingTheDivide #UrbanViewMornings

Last week, Per Scholas Baltimore proudly hosted another wonderful graduation ceremony! It was an honor to have Purnell Carter, Sr., Technical Director at BaltimoreCityIT as our guest speaker. His inspiring message to continue giving back to the community truly resonated with everyone. We are all part of this important mission! Congratulations Jaygbah Mulbah! We look forward to seeing the incredible impact the graduates will make in the tech industry! #Tech #Technology #Innovation #TechTrends #TechNews #TechForGood #FutureOfTech #IT #TechCommunity

In partnership with BaltimoreCityIT and the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband, the Pratt Library has been committed to bridging the digital divide and increasing digital literacy in the Baltimore City community. We are proud to have distributed 40,000 Chromebooks to our community. If you would like to learn more about our Chromebook distribution or view eligibility requirements, please visit https://loom.ly/mmFEnZg

As we wrap up a successful Digital Inclusion Week, Baltimore City proudly lit the dome of City Hall in teal to commemorate this important week of awareness and action. Thank you to our partners and residents for joining us in celebrating Digital Inclusion Week. Together, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive future. Let’s keep the momentum going! #DigitalInclusionWeek #diw2024 #Baltimore #tealfortechnology #digitalequity #internetforall

A big shoutout to the Baltimore City Digital Equity Fund 2024 grant recipients. These organizations are helping Baltimore close the digital divide and are creating a more connected, inclusive city for residents. Join us in congratulating the 2024 grantees (listed by grant type). Digital Literacy Education Training: Supports initiatives?providing digital literacy education to older adults and the wider community. A Prosperous Tomorrow - Awarded $200,000 Johns Hopkins School of Medicine - Awarded $200,000 Let’s Thrive Baltimore - Awarded $185,000 Pass IT On - Awarded $200,000 Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming: Supports initiatives providing IT fundamental skills training and certification to Baltimore City residents interested in a career in IT. Baltimore City Youth Architectural Design Collaborative (not pictured) - Awarded $40,000 Code in the Schools - Awarded $200,000 Dent Education and the Tech Lab at Digital Harbor Foundation - Awarded $200,000 NPower - Awarded $200,000 Digital Creatives and?Virtual Makerspaces Programming: Supports initiatives providing education and programming for digital creatives and virtual makerspaces at local recreation centers throughout Baltimore City. LET’S GO Boys and Girls - Awarded $200,000 Open Works - Awarded $200,000 =========== Launched in April 2023, the Digital Equity Fund supports the creation of community-led digital inclusion plans and provides funding for communities to implement those plans. The fund was initially seeded with $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, with a total commitment of $5 million. In its inaugural year, 22 Baltimore-based organizations were awarded grants totaling nearly $1 million. =========== Photo Credit: Shelby Swann Photography

If you're not able to make it to today's Digital Equity Forum, don't worry, you can watch the live stream on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/edVbex5w. Tune in now!