Baltimore Rec Centers Offer Virtual Learning During Snow Days

City partners with schools to provide students with laptops, meals, and a safe space to learn remotely when schools are closed.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Baltimore City Recreation and Parks is offering virtual learning sessions at 26 rec centers across the city to support students and parents while schools are closed for snow days. The initiative marks the first time Rec and Parks has organized virtual learning sessions specifically for snow days, providing students with laptops, Wi-Fi, meals, and a safe, warm environment to continue their education remotely.

Why it matters

This program helps address issues of access and equity, ensuring all Baltimore students have the resources they need to learn effectively, even when inclement weather forces school closures. It also benefits working parents by providing a trusted place for their children to go during the day.

The details

The virtual learning sessions are organized by city leaders like Karen Jordan and Kenya Asli, who worked with the school system during the COVID-19 pandemic to realize the importance of providing students with access to devices, food, and a safe space to learn. The sessions are held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving students access to Wi-Fi, Chromebooks, snacks, a full meal, and supervision.

  • Baltimore City schools were closed for the entire week due to snow and ice.
  • The virtual learning sessions were held on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

The city agency that organized the virtual learning sessions at 26 recreation centers across Baltimore.

Karen Jordan

The city's deputy director of recreation, who worked with the school system to provide students with access to devices, food, and a safe space to learn.

Kenya Asli

The city's director of broadband digital equity, who partnered with Rec and Parks to bring resources to students during the snow days.

Saumni Richardson

A senior at Baltimore City College who attended the virtual learning session at the Cecil-Kirk Rec Center.

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What they’re saying

“We worked in conjunction with the school system back during COVID, and we just realized that access and equity is important to all of our residents of Baltimore City, and we want to be accessible to our students so that they have access to devices, access to food, access to a safe space.”

— Karen Jordan, Deputy Director of Recreation, Baltimore City

“It just makes sense to partner with Rec and Parks and bring all those resources into this one space because, for kids, they are able to get online, do schoolwork, or just be online, and they don't always have those resources at home. For us, it's about leveling the playing field.”

— Kenya Asli, Director of Broadband Digital Equity, Baltimore City

“I was actually surprised to be out the entire week. So, I'm so glad that the rec center opened so I can actually get a chance to get out the house after so long.”

— Saumni Richardson, Senior, Baltimore City College

What’s next

Students are expected to return to school on Monday, February 3, 2026 in Baltimore City.

The takeaway

This program demonstrates how city agencies can work together to ensure all students have access to the resources they need to continue their education, even when unexpected events like snow days disrupt the normal school schedule. By partnering with the school system and leveraging rec center facilities, Baltimore is setting an example of how to support students and families during challenging times.