Tech Extension will be assisting with distributions by hosting a workstation at each event to help get residents set up with their Chromebooks.
The Connected Devices (MD-CDP) grant program is designed to assist in digital equity and inclusion efforts in Maryland. The COVID pandemic increasingly forced individuals to isolate themselves within their homes and avoid public venues and services, placing a strain on households that do not have the technology necessary to access the internet. Working in tandem with discounted and free internet services from the Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit subsidy and Federal ACP subsidy, connected devices are an additional necessity. Unfortunately, many Marylanders' cannot afford the cost of a device. MD-CDP is intended to provide new, internet-enabled devices to families who are most in need.
On February 8, 2023 - St. Mary's County was informed that our request for 4,500 devices with a value of $894,375.00 for distribution to eligible households throughout St. Mary's County had been approved. Additionally, $27,000 in grant funding was authorized to support the distribution of these devices. St. Mary's County has submitted the Memorandum of Understanding for final approval with the Office of Statewide Broadband.
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) issued an Invitation for Bids ("IFB") in order to procure approximately 145,000 devices over a period of approximately six (6) months. The device specifications included a minimum of 13" screen, chrome OS, SD card reader, dual-band Wi-Fi, 2 USB ports, headphone and video output jacks, and a one-year manufacturer's warranty. The approved bidder, HP, Inc., plans to provide a model HP Chromebook 14 G7 or similar in accordance with their contract.
Register Here
Eligibility Requirements
St. Mary's County Resource Map
Please note that this schedule is subject to change; dates may be removed based on available stock of Chromebooks. Eligible households are limited to one device per address. Distribution will be done on a first, come first served basis, while supplies last. Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. Proof of Maryland residence is also required.
The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services will host special distribution dates at each of the Senior Activity Centers for residents aged 50 and older.
Contact your Senior Activity Center for more information.
https://www.stmarysmd.com/IT/LaptopGrant/
Upcoming Classes and ACP Events:
Chrome Essentials Course:
This free 5-week course will cover the essentials of how to use a Chromebook, which is a type of laptop that is great for beginners who just want to use the internet.
Chromebooks are fast, secure, and cost-effective computers that run the Google Chrome operating system. By the end of the course, you’ll have a foundation for using the device to navigate the internet. You’ll also learn to send and receive emails.
Prerequisites: A Gmail address. This course is best suited for people who have had some experience using the internet on any device.
If you need help setting up a Gmail address, please call the Marylanders Online Call Center:
1-866-206-8467
Loffler Senior Activity Center
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Dates: Every Monday and Wednesday from October 16th - November 15th.
To Register, Call:
St. Mary's Department of Aging and Human Services @ 301-475-4200, ext. 1075
Garvey Senior Activity Center
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Date: Every Monday and Wednesday from October 16th - November 15th.
To Register, Call:
St. Mary's Department of Aging and Human Services @ 301-475-4200, ext. 1075
Intro to Google OS:
This lecture will cover all that Google OS has to offer and will be especially beneficial if you are new to using a Chromebook.
Date/ Time: October 5, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Lexington Park Library
To Register, visit: https://www.stmalib.org/events
Intro to Google Calendar:
Who needs Microsoft Word when you have Google Docs? This workshop will walk you through a free alternative to Word that is available to anyone who has a Gmail account.
Date/ Time: October 19, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Lexington Park Library
To Register, visit: https://www.stmalib.org/events
ACP Sign-Up Event:
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll verify your eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and apply for the program using the online application!
ACP is a government program that helps qualifying low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. In some cases, depending on your internet plan, the ACP discount may help you get home internet for free!
Date/ Time: October 24, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Lexington Park Library
To Register, Visit: https://www.stmalib.org/events
Intro to Google Sheets:
Don't want to pay for software? Learn how Google's free tools have you covered.
This workshop will walk you through a free alternative to Microsoft Excel that is available to anyone who has a Gmail account. If you have a smartphone or laptop, feel free to bring it, or use one of ours.
Date/ Time: November 09 - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Lexington Park Library
To Register, Visit: https://www.stmalib.org/events
Money Matters:
Explore ways that tech can help you save money and manage your finances!
The internet can open a new world for saving money and managing your finances. This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe. You’ll also learn about online shopping and explore some digital resources for saving money on entertainment, prescription drugs, and everyday items.
Date/Time: Friday, December 08 - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Lexington Park Library in Meeting Room B
To Register, Visit: https://www.stmalib.org/events
ACP Sign-Up Event:
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll verify your eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and apply for the program using the online application!
ACP is a government program that helps qualifying low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. In some cases, depending on your internet plan, the ACP discount may help you get home internet for free!
Date/ Time: December 19 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Lexington Park Library
To Register, Visit: https://www.stmalib.org/events
Google Workspace:
Curious about the free tools from Google? Learn about some of Google's most popular productivity tools that are for personal use, as well as work-related ones.
This lecture will introduce Docs, Sheets, Slides, Photos, and Drive. We'll explore some practical and creative uses and demonstrate how to make the most out of Google's many free templates.
Date: 11/7: Time: 10 am- 11:30 am
Location: Leonardtown Public Library
Registration:
https://stmalib.libnet.info/event/9060224
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes:
In this lecture, we’ll demonstrate how to make the most of Google Docs templates for resumes. Templates are a great option for resumes because they take the guesswork out of formatting!
We’ll review some of the helpful features of Google Docs, like sharing, reviewing, and commenting privileges, as well as how to save and share your doc as a PDF. Finally, we’ll go over some dos and don’ts for resume content.
Date: 11/28 Time: 10 am- 11:30 am
Location: Leonardtown Public Library
https://stmalib.libnet.info/event/9060270
Cloud Storage:
Goodbye floppy discs and USB drives! Learn about cloud storage options that save your files remotely.
In this lecture, you’ll learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images, and other media files remotely while giving you greater
accessibility, reliability, and protection for your important data. We’ll discuss what it is, why it’s the future of data storage, and demonstrate a few of the most popular services currently available to consumers.
Date: 12/5 Time: 10 am- 11:30 am
Location: Leonardtown Public Library
Registration will open on November 6, 2023
Graphic Design Tools:
Looking for a new creative outlet? Learn about popular, free platforms to design online.
Looking for a creative outlet? Try your hand at one or more free, user-friendly, web-based graphic design tools! In this presentation, we'll explore the popular design platform, Canva, and demonstrate how you can get very creative with basic tools like Google Slides. We'll also take a look at Photoshop Express, the web-based, free version of Photoshop.
Date: 12/13 Time: 5 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Leonardtown Public Library
Registration will open on November 13, 2023
