The Enterprise Center and Mayor Andy Berke awarded the first 72 Tech Goes Home Chattanooga participants with graduation certificates on Friday after eight weeks of course work targeted at teaching under-served communities digital literacy skills. The Tech Goes Home Chattanooga (TGH CHA) pilot program launched last February at six locations across the county as part of an increased focus on digital inclusion. The program was featured recently in Mayor Andy Berke’s State of the City address.
“We are a community that comes together to break down barriers to opportunity – and one of those barriers is the digital divide,” said Mayor Berke.
“Tech Goes Home accomplishes this by teaching our senior citizens and parents of young kids how to use a computer safely and practically, from paying your bills to sending an email to filling out a job application.”
Through partnerships with schools and community institutions, TGH CHA participants develop skills and habits required for smart technology and Internet use. Enrollees receive fifteen hours of classroom training to help them develop new skills and understand why the Internet is relevant in their daily lives. Upon completion of the course, participants have the option to purchase a new Chromebook for only $50. They also receive assistance in obtaining access to low-cost home Internet.
"We're proud to be graduating over seventy people, ranging from age 4 to age 84, from the pilot!" said Ken Hays, president of the Enterprise Center. "We have ambitious plans. This is just the beginning."
TGH CHA plans to offer 12 courses at more partner locations this summer, and aims to continue growing the program through 2016.