UME, INFO, and BDEC Launch MONET Digital Navigator Curriculum & Training
UME Marylanders Online has partnered with the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition (BDEC) to bring two hybrid MONET training cohorts to Maryland this Fall, with the goal of training 200 digital navigators across the state. The Baltimore MONET and Statewide MONET training cohorts will provide a comprehensive learning experience, incorporating self-paced asynchronous modules, required in-person workshops, and optional virtual office hours. Each cohort can accommodate up to 100 participants. Upon completing the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Maryland Extension, which will enable them to showcase their credentials on résumés, CVs, and LinkedIn profiles and open doors to employment opportunities.
The Marylanders Online Navigator Education Toolkit (MONET) is a groundbreaking train-the-trainer curriculum designed to empower community-serving agencies to deliver digital navigation services at a local level. Versatile in design and implementation, MONET comprises 12 hybrid modules that combine ready-to-use lesson plans, practical exercises, and implementation support, enabling application-based learning and scenario-driven discussions to train providers to deliver digital skills training in their communities. MONET was developed by Marylanders Online, a collaborative initiative between the University of Maryland Extension (UME) and the University of Maryland College of Information (INFO), under the leadership of INFO professor Dr. Mega Subramaniam.
Two Free MONET Digital Navigator Certification Cohorts Announced
The Baltimore MONET Cohort begins August 18 and runs until November 22, 2025. Priority will be given to applicants who live or work in Baltimore City or Baltimore County. Individuals from outside Baltimore are welcome to attend the Baltimore MONET cohort, provided they can attend the required in-person training sessions in Baltimore. [Registration is now closed]
The Statewide MONET Cohort will be held in conjunction with the 2025 Maryland Digital Opportunity Summit, taking place from September 15 to October 24. Training and certification costs are included in the purchase of a summit ticket. Participants must attend both the 2025 Maryland Digital Opportunity Summit on October 15 and the accompanying MONET sessions in person. Register here by October 1st.
MONET’s Collaborative History & Implications for Cooperative Extension
The launch of the first two MONET training cohorts represents a significant leap forward in the University of Maryland Extension’s commitment to expanding digital opportunities in Maryland. The MONET curriculum has been three years in the making, with roots tracing back to its 2023 launch as Pratt Adventure & Beyond—a digital navigator training program developed by UME Marylanders Online in partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore City. The pilot graduated 18 Baltimore-based digital navigators, and feedback from both participants and instructors helped shape the program into MONET, as a broader statewide resource.
Since its founding as a chartered cooperative extension in 1856, the University of Maryland Extension has served as a leader and national model for demonstrating how cooperative extension programs can drive economic opportunity, intergenerational learning, and civic engagement by integrating education, workforce development, and community partnerships. Building on this legacy, MONET provides community-serving professionals with the tools to deliver digital skills that promote civic participation, healthcare access, and economic mobility. In doing so, MONET stands as a tangible resource that brings UME’s mission to life - advancing economic opportunity, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.
MONET is currently available to Maryland partners and will soon be accessible as an open-source format on the University of Maryland’s ELMS-Canvas Open Learning platform. With its Creative Commons license, MONET can be easily adapted and shared with attribution, allowing for its use in various community spaces, including senior centers, community centers, schools, and libraries nationwide.
“Its adaptable, scalable design allows communities to shape the program to meet their specific needs. As we lead with innovation here in Maryland, we also recognize MONET’s potential to support digital inclusion efforts nationwide, reinforcing Maryland’s lasting legacy in advancing digital equity across the country,” shared Mumm.
Organizations interested in offering a customized version of MONET are invited to complete the MONET inquiry form or email marylandersonline@umd.edu for additional information.
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