Digital Harbor Foundation received a multi-year funding commitment of $450,000 from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation to support its tech education programs for Baltimore youth.
The Federal Hill–based nonprofit said the grant from the Owings Mills–based foundation will help support ongoing initiatives in maker and computer science education, and expand programming. The organization is making the announcement Thursday evening at a showcase event marking its sixth anniversary at the former South Baltimore Rec Center, which is now a tech center. At the event, DHF Executive Director Andrew Coy said the grant is the largest single contribution the organization has received over the half-dozen years.
“The Weinberg Foundation has been a key partner from the very beginning of our work,” Coy said in a statement. “This multi-year commitment allows us to act immediately on the core threads outlined in our new strategic plan which are focused on extending opportunities to even more Baltimore youth.”
Specifically, it will allow the nonprofit to make updates to its programs and create new ways for youth to participate in its programs. The organization also plans to grow its own team, with two new positions. Recently, DHF promoted Darius McCoy, who started as a student in the organization’s programs, to the role of tech center director.
Along with the funding, McCoy detailed the following programming updates on Thursday:
- DHF will provide free 3D printing field-trip opportunities for Baltimore City Public Schools.
- Summer camps will be extended to cover a weeklong program that extends for a full day.
- Pop-up programs at community spaces will offer new professional development for educators.
In 2018, DHF said it served 1,250 youth through its programs, which are held outside school time. The organization also provided training in maker education programming to 241 educators through in-person workshops, and another 1,339 through online resources called Blueprint.
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