The Office of Community and Civic Engagement collaborates to create opportunities for returning citizens through digital technology access.
Photo: Left to right, instructor Marion Dixon-Bey, student Justin Lewis, Monica Cooper (Maryland Justice Project executive director), and student Charles Baxter
The University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) is proud to announce its collaboration with the Maryland Justice Project (MJP), an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for returning citizens and promoting equity through technology access.
For several Saturdays in the fall and winter, the UMB Community Engagement Center (CEC) hosted MJP’s introductory computer class, designed to help participants build essential digital skills. While the program primarily serves returning citizens, classes are open to everyone in the community.
Marion Dixon-Bey, the instructor for the series, shared his enthusiasm: “It has been an honor to instruct the class, and it’s a pleasure working with the CEC. Its Computer Lab is a great space.”
The next five-week computer class series was scheduled to begin Jan. 24 at the UMB Community Engagement Center. Interested individuals can still enroll by contacting info@marylandjusticeproject.org.
The impact of these classes is already evident. Justin Lewis, a recent graduate of the program, is headed to Baltimore City Community College to pursue a cybersecurity certificate. Reflecting on his experience, he said: “It’s not as hard as I’d made it out to be.”
Another student, Charles Baxter, expressed how the program inspired him: “It has shown me that the journey of 1,000 miles starts with the first step.”
Monica Cooper, director of MJP, said the mission is clear.
“Technology should be accessible to everyone. Everyone deserves it,” she said.
Expanding Partnerships for Greater Impact
MJP is not only committed to technology access but also to building stronger collaborations across the UMB campus. MJP is working with UPLIFT Alliance, the UMB-affiliated fiscal sponsor host organization. Other potential collaborations would amplify MJP’s ability to serve justice-impacted individuals while creating meaningful learning experiences for UMB students committed to equity and community empowerment.
If you are interested in exploring collaboration opportunities with MJP, reach out to Cooper at info@marylandjusticeproject.org or Lisa Rawlings, director of OCCE’s UMB Workforce Initiatives, at workforce@umaryland.edu.
This partnership exemplifies UMB’s commitment to empowering communities through education and opportunity. To learn more about the Maryland Justice Project, visit marylandjusticeproject.org.