​(November 5, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has donated 50 personal computers to the Baltimore-based Living Classrooms Foundation​. The 35-year-old nonprofit serves thousands of Maryland and Washington D.C. area youth and families, providing innovative education, job-training and health and wellness programs.   

“MDOT is proud to support the good work of the Living Classrooms Foundation,” said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “This donation is an extension of what we strive to do at MDOT to improve the lives of Marylanders, and this partnership with Living Classrooms will help us invest in education and in families across the region.”    

The computers that were delivered to Living Classrooms by SHA employees at 7:30 this morning were no longer needed by the agency.   

 

Mike Meakes, IT Director, Living Classrooms Foundation

“We are extremely grateful to MDOT SHA for the generous donation,” said James Piper Bond, Living Classrooms Foundation President and CEO. “This will be instrumental in helping Living Classrooms Foundation’s teams expand our reach into the community and continue to provide children, youth, adults and families with the tools and support they need to pursue their goals.”   

The computers will help children and families who would otherwise not have access to crucial information and the support programs offered by Living Classrooms. The access is particularly important under the state’s current COVID-19 emergency. As Marylanders adapt and adjust to virtual classroom environments, many families and organizations are struggling to compete for donations of IT supplies and equipment.     

“When Living Classrooms Foundation reached out to MDOT for help replacing some of their 300 desktop workstations, we were happy to help,” said State Highway Administrator Tim Smith. “It is our hope that we can continue to provide support through the donation of used workstations as they become available.”   

The donation is the latest collaboration between MDOT SHA and Living Classrooms. In April, the two organizations launched a pilot program aimed at reducing pollution to Maryland waterways and the Chesapeake Bay through awareness, educational outreach and activities. That program, which includes partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment, is believed to be the first of its kind in the bay region. 

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.