The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced that the Maryland Digital Equity Coalition will transition into the Office of Statewide Broadband as a strategic step to align the Coalition with Maryland’s long-term broadband and digital equity goals. The Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC) is a statewide partnership network composed of a diverse group of stakeholders, including state and local government agencies, public libraries, healthcare providers, senior centers, schools, non-profits, and community leaders. The MDEC network was founded in October 2023 through the University of Maryland Extension to serve as a statewide coalition and resource hub to accelerate digital equity work across all Maryland counties. Since its launch, MDEC has grown to approximately 350 members and is guided by a Core Working Group that has steered the coalition’s work since its inception. Today, MDEC, under the Office of Statewide Broadband, operates as a statewide resource hub and collaborative network, supporting organizations working to expand broadband access, device availability, and digital skills training.

Source link