Tech Goes Home Secures Funding to Empower 3,300 Chattanooga Residents with Access to Computers

• Tech Goes Home program in Chattanooga receives nearly $2 million in state grants to help 3,300 residents acquire and utilize laptop computers
• The Enterprise Center, the operator of Tech Goes Home, wins the largest state award for digital training under the Digital Skills Education and Workforce Development program
• The program aims to bridge the digital divide by providing computer training and equipment to low-income individuals
• The new funding will expand services to multiple counties in Tennessee and support digital adoption
• The program director, Sammy Lowdermilk, highlights the expansion of services to reach more people in the Chattanooga region and neighboring counties

Tech Goes Home Program Receives State Grants

The Tech Goes Home program in Chattanooga has secured nearly $2 million in state grants over the next two years to assist 3,300 local residents in acquiring and utilizing laptop computers. Operated by The Enterprise Center, this digital training initiative emerged as the top recipient among 47 projects chosen for funding under Tennessee’s $27.9 million Digital Skills Education and Workforce Development program. The Enterprise Center’s CEO, Deb Socia, expressed excitement about the opportunity to expand the Tech Goes Home program’s reach in various communities across the region. She emphasized the significance of broadband connectivity in today’s digital landscape and highlighted the program’s pivotal role in promoting digital equity and community connectivity.

Established in 2015, the Tech Goes Home program aims to bridge the digital divide by providing training and computer equipment to low-income students, workers, and seniors. With additional support from government and foundation grants, the program has already benefited over 12,000 individuals in Tennessee by offering computer training and distributing laptop computers. Socia reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary technology and training for success in the digital age.

Program Impact and Expansion

Despite facing scrutiny in the past regarding its funding and operations, the Enterprise Center remains dedicated to its mission of enhancing computer skills and availability within the community. The recent influx of state funds will enable the Tech Goes Home program to extend its services to a broader demographic encompassing Hamilton, Bradley, Polk, and other counties in Southeast Tennessee. The program director, Sammy Lowdermilk, highlighted the significance of this new grant in expanding the reach and impact of Tech Goes Home beyond Chattanooga into neighboring regions, thereby assisting a more extensive population in accessing vital digital resources.

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A report released in 2023 by the National Skills Coalition and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta underscored the increasing demand for digital literacy in today’s job market. With 92% of current jobs requiring digital skills, the report emphasized the financial benefits associated with possessing such competencies. Individuals proficient in digital skills tend to earn an average of 23% more than those lacking such abilities, highlighting the critical role of digital literacy in economic success and advancement.

Community Leaders’ Responses

Local leaders, including Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, have expressed their support for the Tech Goes Home program and the recent state grants awarded to The Enterprise Center. Mayor Kelly emphasized the importance of broadband and digital opportunities in fostering community connectivity and economic growth in Chattanooga. Similarly, Mayor Wamp lauded the grants for positioning ‘Gig City’ for further success in providing broadband access to all residents, irrespective of their neighborhood. The funding is seen as a crucial step in ensuring equal opportunities for individuals in navigating the evolving digital economy.

Tennessee’s broadband program director, Taylre Beaty, commended The Enterprise Center’s Tech Goes Home Program for its efforts in enhancing digital adoption and connectivity across Southeast Tennessee. The program’s expansion is anticipated to have a positive impact on individuals and communities by promoting digital inclusion and equipping residents with essential skills for success in the modern workforce.

Future Prospects and Community Collaboration

As the Tech Goes Home program continues to evolve and expand its services, collaboration with local stakeholders, educational institutions, and businesses will be key to its success. By fostering partnerships and engaging with various community organizations, the program can further enhance its reach and effectiveness in addressing digital disparities and promoting tech literacy among underserved populations.

The allocation of state grants to the Tech Goes Home program signifies a significant step towards advancing digital inclusion and empowering residents with the necessary tools for success in an increasingly technology-driven world. The Enterprise Center’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting digital equity underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure that all individuals have access to technology and training essential for thriving in the digital age. Through continued support and collaboration, initiatives like Tech Goes Home can play a crucial role in building a more connected and technologically proficient community for the benefit of all.