LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG), in collaboration with the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband, is extending its free HP Chromebook distribution program to benefit more Southern Maryland residents. The initiative, which aims to improve digital access for education, work, and daily connectivity, has announced a new distribution event scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will be held at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, District 4 Station, located at 21633 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park.
Expanded Program Access
This distribution marks a significant expansion of the program. For the first time, residents in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles Counties will be eligible to participate, ensuring broader regional access to digital tools. Additionally, households that meet the eligibility requirements can now receive one Chromebook per household, regardless of whether they share a physical address.
Eligibility Requirements
Residents must meet at least one of the following qualifications to receive a device:
- Household income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participation in at least one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Programs
- Federal Pell Grant (current award year recipient)
Proof of eligibility and proof of address are required. Devices will not be issued to households that have previously received a Chromebook through earlier distributions.
Onsite Technical Support
Attendees will also benefit from onsite technical assistance provided by the University of Maryland Extension Office, ensuring recipients can quickly set up and begin using their new Chromebooks.
Program Partners and Support
This initiative is made possible through the cooperation of numerous local partners, including:
- Commissioners of St. Mary’s County
- St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services
- St. Mary’s County Libraries
- St. Mary’s County Public Schools
- St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
- St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services
- University of Maryland Extension Office
How to Participate
Eligible residents are encouraged to attend the event and bring the necessary documentation. For further details, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/fasttrac or contact the Information Technology Department at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1013 or Bob.Kelly@stmaryscountymd.gov.
This program underscores St. Mary’s County’s commitment to addressing the digital divide and empowering its residents with the tools they need to thrive in today’s connected world.
