YOUR CHALLENGE
Three hundred Baltimore residents lack digital skills for today's jobs. You need training that sticks. You need peer leaders who get your community. You need partners committed to long-term change.
Center for Restorative Change delivers exactly this. Your program uses THINK methodology to build skills and lasting infrastructure. You get trained workers. You get a coalition that sustains beyond grant funding. You get a model Maryland scales statewide.
PART 1: BUILD YOUR COALITION (50% of Investment)
1.1 Coalition Establishment & Governance
Your goal: Unite 12-15 institutional partners around digital equity.
- Recruit institutional partners (SBDC, chambers, workforce, nonprofits, libraries, schools, ISPs, faith organizations)
- Hold 8 monthly coalition meetings (January through August 2026)
- Create shared governance structure and decision-making protocols
- Establish resource-sharing agreements between partners
- Build accountability mechanisms and performance tracking systems
Why this matters: Isolated training programs disappear. Your coalition creates lasting infrastructure. Partners commit to Year 2 and beyond.
1.2 Baltimore Digital Equity Ecosystem Audit
Your goal: Know what exists. Know what's missing. Know where to go next.
- Map all existing digital equity resources across Baltimore
- Document device access programs, training offerings, workforce pathways
- Find the gaps: Where do most people lack access? Where do services overlap?
- Identify barriers by covered population (disabled residents, formerly incarcerated, veterans, rural residents, low-income households)
- Produce comprehensive written report with 15+ recommendations
Your deliverable: A detailed resource audit. This directly shapes your curriculum. This goes to Maryland state leadership.
1.3 Digital Opportunity Coalition Plan
Your goal: Create a 5-year roadmap your coalition owns.
- Combine coalition feedback, community input, and audit findings
- Define shared vision for Baltimore digital equity (5-year horizon)
- Identify priority populations, service gaps, funding pathways
- Plan Year 2 sustainability: Partner commitments, funding sources, leadership transitions
- Document success measures and accountability processes
Output: Formal Digital Opportunity Coalition Plan submitted to DHCD and Maryland Office of Strategic Business.
1.4 Marketing, Outreach & Recruitment (up to 10% of total investment)
Your goal: Reach 300+ qualified participants by June 2026.
- Create culturally competent, multilingual marketing materials
- Design accessible formats (large print, audio, visual, multiple languages)
- Run social media campaigns and partner with local media
- Recruit through coalition partners, faith organizations, social service agencies
- Track recruitment pipeline and conversion metrics monthly
1.5 Coalition Partner Training & Capacity Building
Your goal: Equip partners to identify and refer the right participants.
- Provide THINK methodology fundamentals training to all partners
- Train partners to identify appropriate participants and make warm referrals
- Help partners understand program outcomes and THINK framework
- Create quarterly peer learning sessions and best practice sharing forums
1.6 Coalition Sustainability & Funding Strategy
Your goal: Build a coalition that outlives the grant.
- Identify Year 2+ funding mechanisms (WIOA, state appropriations, foundation grants, partner contributions)
- Develop sustainability plan with committed partner roles and contributions
- Create transition plan for coalition leadership and operations
PART 2: DELIVER SKILLS (50% of Investment)
2.1 THINK Curriculum for Baltimore
Your goal: Training that transforms, not just teaches.
- Customize THINK methodology for Baltimore's specific populations and economy
- Build sector-specific modules: government contracting, manufacturing, clean energy, real estate, logistics, healthcare
- Integrate resource audit findings (local employers, funding pathways, job opportunities)
- Create multiple accessibility formats: languages, low-literacy versions, visual/audio alternatives, neurodivergent-friendly designs
- Develop participant workbooks, job aids, templates, and multimedia content
Investment Cap
Curriculum materials: up to $5,000 (per DHCD guidelines)
2.2 Trainer Recruitment & Development
Your goal: Trainers who reflect and understand your community.
- Hire 2-3 full-time digital skills trainers with cultural competency and teaching experience
- Conduct 40-hour intensive THINK methodology onboarding covering content, facilitation, and assessment
- Establish weekly trainer support system: check-ins, coaching, curriculum updates
- Define clear trainer responsibilities: lead cohorts, provide one-on-one support, assess progress, support peer trainer certification
2.3 Digital Skills Training Cohorts (300 Participants)
Your goal: Deliver 6 cohorts. Transform 300 lives. Create peer leaders.
Cohort Format: 8-week intensive program, 2 sessions per week, 2 hours each (16 hours total)
Schedule:
- Cohort 1: January – February 2026 (50 participants)
- Cohort 2: March – April 2026 (50 participants)
- Cohort 3: May – June 2026 (50 participants)
- Cohort 4: July – August 2026 (50 participants)
- Cohort 5: September – October 2026 (50 participants)
- Cohort 6: November 2026 (50 participants)
Curriculum covers:
- Computer fundamentals and digital tools
- Internet safety and digital privacy
- Employment and productivity applications
- Artificial intelligence and digital transformation basics
- Government services navigation
- Digital problem-solving using THINK framework
Participant support includes:
- Digital literacy baseline assessments before program start
- Individualized learning plans tailored to each person
- Ongoing progress tracking and barrier problem-solving
- Access to laptops during training
2.4 Peer Trainer Certification Program (40 Peer Trainers)
Your goal: Develop 40 community leaders as certified trainers.
Selection: Identify 6-8 high-performers per cohort based on skill acquisition, engagement, and leadership potential.
Certification includes:
- 40 hours of intensive training over 4 weeks
- THINK methodology delivery and adult facilitation skills
- Cultural competency and feedback coaching
- Program evaluation and impact measurement
- Earn: THINK Strategist credential (portable, stackable certification)
Post-program pathways:
- Become trainers for future cohorts
- Support institutional partners
- Pursue employment as digital literacy coordinators
- Continue advancing THINK methodology mastery
2.5 Participant Support Services
Your goal: Remove barriers. Provide pathways. Create lasting change.
- Pre-program: Digital literacy testing, learning needs assessment, employment goal documentation
- During program: Individualized learning plans, technology access, progress tracking
- Employment support: Job coaching, resume building, interview prep, connection to opportunities
- Wraparound services: Childcare coordination, transportation assistance, food during classes
- 90-day follow-up: Track employment status, income advancement, tool adoption, career progression
2.6 Technology Infrastructure & Equipment
Your goal: Reliable technology that works. Devices participants keep.
- Procure 50 laptops for classroom instruction
- Maintain hardware support: troubleshooting, updates, security
- Provide software: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, industry-specific tools
- Supply internet access: Hotspots for participants without home broadband
- Implement participant tracking system: attendance, progress, outcomes data
2.7 Evaluation & Outcomes Measurement
Your goal: Prove impact. Document transformation. Build the case for Year 2.
- Digital skills: Pre/post assessments for all 300 participants showing competency gains
- Employment outcomes: 90-day follow-up capturing employment status, income, job type, tool use
- Peer trainer success: Certification rates, post-program placement, participant feedback
- Coalition impact: Partner engagement, referral volume, resource utilization
- Satisfaction: Post-program surveys measuring program quality, relevance, cultural competency
- Real-time dashboard: Track KPIs against targets throughout the program
2.8 Program Coordination & Compliance
Your goal: Transparent, compliant, accountable reporting.
- Monthly reports to DHCD: Enrollment, cohort progress, milestones, budget, challenges
- Quarterly reports: Outcomes data, coalition progress, audit updates, emerging findings
- ARPA compliance: Ensure all activities meet federal requirements
- Final report (by Nov 30, 2026): Comprehensive outcomes, lessons learned, sustainability recommendations, statewide scaling guidance
YOUR SUCCESS METRICS
| METRIC |
TARGET |
TIMELINE |
SUCCESS INDICATOR |
| Participants trained |
300 |
By Nov 30, 2026 |
100% cohort completion |
| Digital literacy improvement |
+40% average gain |
Pre/post assessments |
70%+ show measurable improvement |
| Peer trainers certified |
40 |
By Sep 30, 2026 |
40+ earn THINK Strategist credential |
| Employment advancement (90-day) |
70% employed or in program |
Post-program follow-up |
210+ in employment or workforce development |
| Income advancement |
20%+ increase |
90-day follow-up |
Average wage increase documented |
| Coalition partners engaged |
12-15 |
By Jun 30, 2026 |
Active in meetings, making referrals, committing to Year 2 |
| Resource audit completed |
1 comprehensive report |
By Jun 30, 2026 |
Written report with 15+ recommendations submitted |
| Digital Opportunity Plan |
1 formal plan |
By Sep 30, 2026 |
Coalition-approved sustainability strategy |
| Participant satisfaction |
85%+ positive |
Post-program surveys |
Rated as relevant, culturally competent, worth recommending |
| Peer trainer deployment |
70%+ post-program placement |
By Nov 30, 2026 |
28+ trainers employed or active in education roles |
YOUR TIMELINE
Jan – Feb 2026
Program Setup & Delivery Wave 1 Begins
Activities: Trainer onboarding, curriculum customization, coalition recruitment, marketing launch, technology setup.
Deliverables: Trained trainers, customized curriculum, 12-15 coalition partners recruited, marketing materials ready, Cohort 1 starts.
Mar – Apr 2026
Coalition Building & Delivery Continues
Activities: Cohort 2 delivered, coalition meetings 1-2, resource audit execution, peer trainer candidate identification.
Deliverables: 100 trained, coalition governance established, audit in progress.
May – Jun 2026
Coalition Planning & Delivery Accelerates
Activities: Cohort 3 delivered, coalition meetings 3-4, resource audit completed, coalition plan development.
Deliverables: 150 trained, resource audit report submitted, partner training completed.
Jul – Aug 2026
Delivery Wave 2 & Coalition Finalization
Activities: Cohorts 4-5 delivered, coalition meetings 5-8, peer trainer certification, coalition plan finalization.
Deliverables: 250 trained, peer trainer certification completed, coalition plan finalized, employment follow-up launched.
Sep – Oct 2026
Final Cohort & Evaluation
Activities: Cohort 6 delivered, 90-day employment outcome tracking, coalition sustainability planning.
Deliverables: All 300 trained, employment data compilation begins.
Nov 2026
Program Completion & Final Reporting
Activities: Final employment follow-up, comprehensive evaluation, final report completion.
Deliverables: All cohorts completed, 90-day employment data validated, final comprehensive report submitted to DHCD.
POPULATIONS YOU'LL SERVE
Per Maryland Office of Strategic Business Digital Equity Plan, you'll prioritize:
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals re-entering society or formerly incarcerated
- Veterans
- Individuals experiencing homelessness or without permanent residence
- Individuals primarily residing in rural areas
- Individuals living in households with income ≤200% federal poverty level
- Aging individuals
- Individuals with language barriers (English learners, low literacy)
- Individuals who are members of racial/ethnic minority groups
Center for Restorative Change's existing programs ensure deep access to these populations.
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE
Coalition-Building Deliverables
- Coalition organizational structure and governance documents
- Baltimore Digital Equity Ecosystem Resource Audit (comprehensive written report with recommendations)
- Digital Opportunity Coalition Plan for Baltimore (5-year sustainability strategy)
- Coalition meeting documentation (8 meetings, notes, partner feedback)
- Marketing and outreach materials (multilingual, accessible formats)
- Partner commitment letters and MOUs
- Coalition partner training curriculum and materials
Skill-Building Deliverables
- Customized THINK curriculum for Baltimore (digital and printed materials)
- Trainer onboarding and development materials
- 6 completed training cohorts (300 participants trained and assessed)
- 40 THINK Strategist peer trainer certifications
- Pre/post digital literacy assessments (300 participants)
- Participant learning plans and progress documentation
- 90-day employment outcome data and analysis
- Peer trainer deployment tracking and outcomes
- Technology infrastructure and participant device access documentation
- Evaluation dashboard and real-time KPI tracking
- Final comprehensive program report
YOUR PATH TO SCALE
This Baltimore pilot validates THINK as the execution mechanism for Maryland's Digital Equity Plan and workforce integration.
Success positions your model for:
- Year 2 expansion: 3-5 additional Maryland regions, 3,000+ Marylanders annually
- WIOA integration: Leverage $200M+ Maryland WIOA funding for workforce outcomes
- Coalition scaling: Coalition model replicable across regions and sectors
- Peer trainer network: Certified THINK Strategists become deployment infrastructure
- National positioning: Maryland as reference model for digital equity + workforce integration for other states