Partnerships

Allegany County Digital Opportunity

Building a community-wide infrastructure in partnership with government and industry to bridge the digital divide and prepare a tech-ready workforce in Allegany County.

Western Maryland IT Center of Excellence

The Western Maryland IT Center of Excellence links regional Information Technology industry leaders with economic development leaders to encourage business retention, expansion, and the attraction of new business within the IT sector in Western Maryland. Both job readiness and incumbent IT training as well as the overarching goal to present Allegany County as "Technology Ready" is the main focus of the Center. The Center is an entity where both potential employers and employees can connect, learn more about Allegany County's technology preparedness, gain the IT education they need to be competitive, and explore professional development and further training options available locally. The Center is also a collaborative hub for existing IT employers and will deliver professional development opportunities by convening and development cutting edge technology lectures, industry leader forums, and information sharing.

P-TECH

Through partnerships between schools, local community colleges, and businesses, P-TECH graduates can earn both a high school diploma and an Associate Degree.The P-TECH education model, co-developed by IBM, is an innovative, nationally recognized approach that blends high school, college, and work experience. In six years or less, students graduate with a high school diploma and a no-cost, two-year Associate Degree. These students will also benefit from career experience and mentorship in the workplace and will be first-in-line for skilled jobs upon graduation through partnerships with private sector participants. Each P-TECH school works with industry partners and a local community college to ensure an up-to-date curriculum that is academically rigorous and economically relevant.

AllCoNet

Allegany County Government was a partner and founding member of the ALLCONET internet Partnership, which consisted of the Allegany County Government, Allegany County Board of Education, Allegany County Library System, and the City of Cumberland. The cooperative partnership planned, managed, and provided Email, internet, Intranet, and Web Hosting services for the partners as well as numerous non-profit organizations.

AllCoNet2

The partnership planned and implemented a carrier class wireless network that has allowed for improved inter-organizational communication, reduced telecommunications costs per month and provided businesses access to services previously out of reach. The partnership provided access to the first GigE connection in Allegany County.