LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) is excited to announce an extended opportunity for Southern Maryland residents to receive free HP Chromebooks, thanks to a new round of distributions made possible through collaboration with the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband. Following the success of previous events, this initiative will ensure more residents gain access to essential digital tools for education, work, and everyday connectivity.

 

The distribution event is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, District 4 Station, located at 21633 Great Mills Rd in Lexington Park. The event will offer Chromebooks to eligible households in Southern Maryland.

 

Program Updates & Key Details

• Expanded Access: Unlike previous distributions, eligible residents can now receive one device per household, regardless of sharing a physical address.
• Regional Eligibility: This program is now open to Southern Maryland residents living in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles Counties.
• Proof of Eligibility Required: Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating their eligibility and proof of address to receive a device.
• Technical Support: The University of Maryland Extension Office will offer onsite technical support for event attendees/device recipients.   

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet one or more of the following qualifications:

• Household income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Participation in one of the following 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 (including USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools)
  • Federal Pell Grant recipient in the current award year

 

How to Participate

Residents should bring proof of eligibility and proof of address to the event. Devices will not be issued to households that have already received a Chromebook from prior distributions.

 

For more information, visit www.stmaryscountymd.govfasttrac or contact SMCG’s Information Technology Department at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1013 or at Bob.Kelly@stmaryscountymd.gov.

 

Special thanks to our partners: the 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, and the University of Maryland Extension Office.