Chattanooga community celebrates 10,000 graduates in digital literacy program

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — On Saturday morning, the Chattanooga community celebrated the ‘Tech Goes Home’ program, which supports digital literacy.

Across the state, over 10,000 residents are now better able to connect with educational resources, loved ones, and new career opportunities.

“The outcomes have been really amazing. Some folks have gotten new jobs or promotions in their old jobs. Because Tech skills are everywhere. Some folks have been able to engage in Telehealth or Telementalhealth, especially for folks who are older or have some disability, it really has made a difference,’ President and CEO of The Enterprise Center Deb Socia said.

The Enterprise Center’s Tech Goes Home program has helped people of all ages become better equipped with technology and digital literacy.

“It’s really interesting. People make assumptions about who understands technology and who doesn’t. The truth is a lot of young folks don’t have the skills either. It’s not just the older folks who need that help. So, we need to think about this much more broadly when we’re talking about tech and education and opportunity,” Socia said.

Tech Goes Home has partnered with many local organizations to offer free courses designed to help people develop skills and habits required for technology and internet use.

“We have a number of partnerships from around the community here. 10,000 is a big number, and it really warms my heart to see what an impact this has had on all these people’s lives,” Mayor Tim Kelly said.

The mission of the program is to raise digital awareness and improve the quality of life in the modern world.

“Life-long skills. And especially with the way that the world is going right now, that in some offices you actually have to use a computer to login to see your doctor. So, I know that with the age group that we have at the senior center, that it’s very important that they learn how to maneuver a computer and move the mouse, and move the cursor, do what they have to do. So, yes, it’s very important in this day and age. Everybody should learn a computer,” graduate with the East Gate Senior Center Gracelia Moore said.

Residents have used the program for Telehealth appointments, online shopping, and simply talking to loved ones. 

Cybersecurity courses are also offered within the program to keep individuals safe online.

The hope is that people of all ages will become more informed on digital literacy and how to use technology.

“I love that we had our ten thousandth person go through the program. It is really fabulous. And today has been vibrant and fun and beautiful, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity,” Socia said.