Internet Access Initiative

Eligible Frederick County households can register to qualify for a free Chromebook as United Way of Frederick County, the State of Maryland and Frederick County Government and the State of Maryland are partnering to close the digital divide.

 

At United Way of Frederick County, we believe that access to technology is one key to achieving economic freedom and accessing important educational opportunities. As part of our strategic plan, we are helping close the digital divide in Frederick County. Through a grant provided by Frederick County Government and the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development, we are proud to provide technology and broadband access to those who need it.

 

AVAILABLE TO FREDERICK COUNTY, MD RESIDENTS WITH A VALID MARYLAND ADDRESS ONLY.
THE STATE OF MARYLAND'S POLICY LIMITS ONE DEVICE PER HOUSEHOLD. 
UNITED WAY HAS NO DISCRETION IN THIS MATTER.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Register for April 26 Distribution
Register for April 30 Distribution
Register for May 15 Distribution
Register for May 22 Distribution

Thurmont Regional Library

76 E. Moser Road

Thurmont, MD 21788

Prospect Center

585 Himes Avenue

Frederick, MD 21703

Brunswick Branch Library

915 N. Maple Avenue

Brunswick, MD 21716

Fort Ritchie Community Center

14421 Lake Royer Drive

Cascade, MD 21719

To register, select your preferred distribution at the top of the page and then select the date of that distribution on the calendar to pick your time slot.

Those eligible should register for one of the timeslots at least 24 hours before an event. Pre-registration is required. No walk-up appointments will be available the day of the event. All qualifying documentation needs to be provided at pickup. Each appointment is roughly 15 minutes but wait times may vary. 

If you do not see a blue button above to register for an upcoming distribution, all slots have been booked. Please stay tuned to United Way's social media accounts for the most up-to-date information on upcoming distribution dates.

Need assistance scheduling your appointment? Call 301-405-9810 or 1-866-206-8467.

All recipients must reside in Frederick County, MD and must present identification that shows Frederick County residence.

One (1) Chromebook may go to each household/address if the resident is 18 years old or older.

All recipients must have income equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty line and must verify participation in one of the following programs:

  • Child receives free or reduced lunches at Frederick County Public Schools
  • Federal Housing Benefits
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Medicaid 
  • SNAP 
  • SSI
  • Veteran’s Pension or Survivor Benefits
  • WIC 
  • Income below the 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (necessary documentation: paystubs, 2023 W2s, and/or 2024 IRS Form 1040)

Please "What to Bring" for additional information about how to demonstrate your eligibility.

For any questions regarding device distributions, please contact Joe Kunkel at jkunkel@uwfrederick.org.

Recipients need to bring a form of ID to verify their identity (Maryland driver’s license or other Maryland ID) and documentation for any of the programs listed on this website under "How to Qualify."

*If the recipient does not have a valid driver's license or Maryland ID, or if the ID does not show a Frederick County, MD address, then the recipient must provide a bill or statement (utility, vehicle registration, credit card, mobile phone, copy of lease, etc.) with the recipient's name and a Frederick County, MD address.  Only Frederick County residents are eligible.

United Way of Frederick County is seeking volunteers to help distribute Chromebooks. Tasks may include: 

  • Checking in attendees for their appointment
  • Checking identification and program eligibility
  • Entering information into the database to distribute the device
  • Distributing and collecting anonymous surveys before attendees receive their device
  • Explaining the University of MD Tech Support and Affordable Connectivity Program to attendees

To volunteer, please click the date that best fits your schedule. If you have any questions, contact Serena Balassi at sbalassi@uwfrederick.org. 

Volunteer on April 20
Volunteer on April 26
Volunteer on April 30
Volunteer on May 22

If all slots have been booked for upcoming distributions, please check the website in 2024 for future distribution dates. United Way's social media accounts will have the most up-to-date information on upcoming distribution dates.

For additional questions regarding device distributions, please contact Joe Kunkel at jkunkel@uwfrederick.org.

Support for this program is provided by:

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