“Montgomery Connects,” Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, has launched a new program to distribute 60,000 free laptop computers to low-income families. There is a limit of one computer per resident according to a press release from the County. Eligible recipients must be Maryland residents, do not need to be U.S. citizens and may not have already received a computer from the County before April 2023.
Residents must make an appointment online, certify that they do not have access to a computer, and appear in person to pick up the computer.
Montgomery Connects received a Federal Emergency Connectivity Fund grant valued at $22.7 million to distribute 60,000 Chromebook laptops to people who do not have a computer. Montgomery Connects is operated by the County’s Department of Technology & Enterprise
“Access to a computer is essential for every person,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “While children may have access to computers through schools, it is equally vital for parents, college students, working individuals, and seniors to have their own computers. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in our community has equal opportunities for success in today’s digital age.”
Appointments to receive a computer can be made at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/computer.
“I’ve seen from my experience developing digital connector programs that it is a game changer for young people to have their own digital opportunities,” said TEBS Director and County Chief Information Officer Gail M. Roper.
Supplies are expected to run out by May or June, so residents are encouraged to make appointments now.
“We encourage nonprofit organizations and neighbors to pass the word along and to help elderly residents sign up. This may be the last large computer grant the County will receive, so we want everyone who doesn’t have a computer to make an appointment to get one while supplies last,” said Montgomery Connects Program Director Mitsuko R. Herrera. “We are also working to connect residents who receive computers with free technology training resources available from the Montgomery County Public Libraries and SeniorPlanet.org.”
Every person, including children over the age 7, must have an appointment to receive a computer. After arranging an appointment to get a computer, eligible residents should bring the following items to their pick-up appointment:
- Photo identification.
- Proof of address. If a person is using a Photo ID without an address (such as a passport), they must bring a piece of mail or online bill showing their address.
- Every person receiving a computer, including children, must appear in person. Appointments are available until 7 p.m. and on many Saturdays.
The program will prioritize Montgomery County residents.
The schedule for upcoming computer distribution events:
- Thursday, Feb. 1. 1-5 p.m. Aspen Hill Library, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd, Rockville
- Friday, Feb. 2. 1-5 p.m. Germantown Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Rd, Germantown
- Saturday, Feb. 3. Noon-4 p.m. East County Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
- Wednesday, Feb. 7. 3-7 p.m. Mid-County Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Rd, Silver Spring
- Thursday, Feb. 8. 3-7 p.m. Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg
- Friday, Feb. 9. 3-7 p.m. Long Branch Recreation Center, 8700 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring
- Wednesday, Feb. 14. Noon-4 p.m. Germantown American Jobs Center, 12900 Middlebrook Rd, Germantown
- Thursday, Feb. 15. 3-7 p.m. White Oak Recreation Center, 1700 April Ln, Silver Spring
- Friday, Feb. 16. 2-6 p.m. McGee Library, 900 Wayne Ave, Silver Spring
- Saturday, Feb. 17. 3-7 p.m. Executive Office Building Cafeteria, 101 Monroe St, Rockville
- Tuesday, Feb. 20. 3-7 p.m. Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg
- Wednesday, Feb. 21. 3-7 p.m. East County Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
- Friday, Feb. 23. 3-7 p.m. Mid-County Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Rd, Silver Spring
- Wednesday, Feb. 28. 3-7 p.m. Long Branch Recreation Center, 8700 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring
- Thursday, Feb. 29. Noon-4 p.m. Wheaton American Jobs Center, 11510 Georgia Ave Suite 100, Wheaton
- Friday, March 1 .11 a.m-3 p.m. Germantown American Jobs Center, 12900 Middlebrook Rd, Germantown
- Saturday, March 2. Noon-4 p.m. East County Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
Appointments open for registration approximately two weeks prior to event dates. Additional events will be added as locations confirm.
Eligible residents must have an email address to make an appointment online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/computer. If a resident needs assistance to make an appointment, call the Marylander Online Help Hotline at 301-405-9810, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Help is available in English and Spanish and in other languages upon request.
