Fundraising Night At Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Columbia MD

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We are fundraising for our project Digital Literacy for Low-Income Residents in Laurel MD

In Laurel, Maryland, a city with a diverse population of approximately 29,200 residents, low-income families are disproportionately affected by the digital divide. According to Data USA, 2,850 residents live below the poverty line. The 2023 Laurel Community Needs Assessment reveals that around 2,920 households lack high-speed internet access, and approximately 3,504 households do not own a computer or similar device. This digital access gap not only indicates a lack of technology but also highlights deeper socioeconomic challenges such as limited job opportunities, educational obstacles, and restricted access to essential services.

The consequences of this divide are significant, as it hampers residents' ability to engage with digital platforms that are crucial for modern living, including employment searches, educational pursuits, and accessing digital health services. In a city where the tech sector is projected to grow by 15% in the next five years (Maryland Department of Labor, 2023), the lack of digital skills among low-income groups particularly hinders their ability to take advantage of economic opportunities.

This project addresses these issues directly by offering focused digital literacy training, which includes cyber security certifications and basic computer skills that are essential for employment in today's tech-driven job market. By empowering residents with these skills, our aim is not only to bridge the digital divide but also to promote long-term socioeconomic development within the community. This, in turn, will reduce reliance on social services and enhance overall quality of life. The requested fund will be used to train two individuals on CompTIA+ Security through www.umbctraining.com training center that cost $2,995 per individual.