THE PROBLEM WE'RE SOLVING
Maryland has $2M+ in Computer Labs funding through DHCD's Digital Equity initiatives. The gap exists here: 70% of these programs fail because device access without digital skills equals unused equipment.
The Reality: Participants get laptops but can't use them. They can't navigate government services. They can't apply for jobs online. They can't use tools employers require. They can't think strategically about how digital tools solve business problems.
The blindspot: Digital skills training exists in isolation. Nobody connects it to employment outcomes. Nobody aligns it with employer demand. Nobody integrates it with economic development strategy.
THE OPPORTUNITY
THINK methodology bridges this gap by teaching thinking with AI, not just tool usage.
Instead of: "Here's software, figure it out"
We teach: "Here's how to identify problems, design solutions, and use AI as your collaborator"
Result: Participants don't just gain digital literacy. They gain employment-ready thinking skills that employers actually need.
WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING
6-Month Baltimore Pilot
Investment: $200,000 | Timeline: January 1 – November 30, 2026
The Model (50/50 Split)
Coalition-Building ($100K)
- Convene 12-15 institutional partners (SBDC, chambers, workforce development, nonprofits, libraries, ISPs)
- Execute Baltimore Digital Equity Ecosystem Resource Audit (map gaps, duplication, funding misalignment)
- Develop 5-year Digital Opportunity Coalition Plan for Baltimore
- This becomes the statewide scaling blueprint
Skill-Building Delivery ($100K)
- 6 sequential cohorts: 300 residents trained over 11 months
- 8-week intensive program per cohort (16 hours, 2x/week)
- 40 peer trainers certified as THINK Strategists (portable credential, deployment infrastructure)
- 70% employment advancement target at 90-day follow-up
WHY THIS WORKS
For Center for Restorative Change
- Validates THINK methodology with covered populations
- Builds peer trainer network (40 certified THINK Strategists)
- Creates 5-year coalition sustainability plan
- Positions for Year 2 expansion (3-5 regions, $500K+)
For DHCD & Maryland
- Answers the "what comes after device access?" question
- Validates digital equity + workforce development integration
- Creates replicable model for all Maryland regions
- Leverages WIOA ($200M+ statewide) to scale outcomes
- Positions Maryland as national reference model
For Participants
- 300 Baltimoreans gain employment-ready digital skills
- 40 become THINK Strategist trainers (career pathway)
- 70%+ employment advancement within 90 days
- Access to peer learning community and ongoing support
For Statewide / National Impact
- Year 2: 3-5 Maryland regions, 3,000+ Marylanders
- Year 3+: National replication (49 states adopt model)
- THINK becomes standard for digital equity + workforce development
- Maryland = proof model for federal replication
IMMEDIATE ASK
Critical Timeline
$200K allocation must be committed by December 31, 2025 for January 1, 2026 launch.
This grant funds:
- Trainer hiring (2-3 FT positions)
- Curriculum customization for Baltimore context
- Coalition establishment and resource audit
- Participant support and technology access
- 40 peer trainer certifications
- Employment outcome tracking and reporting
THE STATEWIDE PLAY
Why Vishnupriya cares: This Baltimore pilot answers her exact mandate question: "How do digital skills integrate into workforce development?"
The answer: Through coalition-building, peer trainer development, and institutional partner activation.
What it enables:
- Year 2: Activate WIOA providers across Maryland (12-15 regions)
- Year 3: Replicate coalition model nationally
- Year 5+: THINK becomes infrastructure standard for how America deploys workforce development funding
This isn't just a Baltimore training program. It's the validation model for $100M-$500M national infrastructure play.
KEY METRICS (By November 30, 2026)
Digital literacy gain
+40% avg
Peer trainers certified
40
Employment advancement (90-day)
70%
Coalition partners engaged
12-15
Resource audit completed
Yes
Digital Opportunity Plan
5-year strategy
SUSTAINABILITY & NEXT STEPS
Post-Pilot Funding Sources:
- WIOA ($200M+ statewide allocation)
- State appropriations (every state now has AI Action Plan)
- Federal grants (CHIPS Act, IRA, BIL workforce components)
- Foundation grants (digital equity focus)
- Institutional partner contributions
Coalition & Peer Trainer Network:
- Coalition partners commit to Year 2 through formal MOUs
- Peer trainer network becomes deployment infrastructure for statewide expansion
THE CONVERSATION
Open With
"I know you're managing the intersection of digital equity and workforce development. We've figured out how to connect them."
Positioning
This isn't training. It's institutional infrastructure for how Maryland scales digital opportunity at the workforce level.
The Ask
Approve $200K allocation by Dec 31, 2025. Launch Jan 1, 2026. Validate the model. Position Maryland for national replication.
The Vision
In 18 months, Maryland is the reference model. In 3 years, every state is copying our playbook.