Carroll County Empowers Residents with 5,000 Free Chromebooks in Tech Inclusion Initiative

Shantelle Malcolm-Lym

February 1

Carroll County Government is excited to announce a partnership with the Carroll Technology & Innovation Council to distribute 5,000 free HP Chromebook laptop computers to eligible Carroll County residents.

The laptops will include instructions for set up and internet access. Distribution events begin 1/30; identification, eligibility, and county residency required

Eligible residents can receive a computer at a distribution event, or through a distribution partner organization, until the end of April 2024 while supplies last. Eligibility information, distribution partners, and distribution event dates and appointments can be found at carrolltechcouncil.org/free-computer. Appointments are recommended. Additional distribution events and locations will be listed on the site as they are announced.

Carroll County was awarded a grant through the state initiative Maryland Connected Devices Program under the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development which strives to deliver internet service to every household in Maryland.

"Technology and access to technology are both important resources in most aspects of our lives today, and these Chromebooks will provide a gateway to service for many Carroll residents," said Commissioner Board President Kenny Kiler. "As we continue to work to bring more internet access to underserved and unserved areas, we are thankful to the state and thrilled that this grant helps connect 5,000 households to internet service."

"We hear stories from students who no longer must do schoolwork from their phones, folks expanding their job search and skills, and patients recovering from surgery who can now access telehealth and online health resources," said Carroll Technology and Innovation Council Executive Assistant Molly Sherman. "A personal computer expands what's possible for individuals, families, and their communities."

For more information, please contact the Carroll Technology & Innovation Council at info@carrolltechcouncil.org or the county's Broadband Project Manager Jay Uebel at 410-386-2309 or juebel@carrollcountymd.gov. Maryland's Computer Helpline at 301-405-9810 is also available for help making an appointment.