CHATTANOOGA, TN: November 18, 2024 — Tech Goes Home Chattanooga, a program of The Enterprise Center, has received a $900,000 grant from the State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) as part of the state’s $101.6 million allocation for broadband access and digital opportunity. Coupled with other funding sources, this award will help Tech Goes Home provide 8,000 people across Southeast Tennessee with technology and digital literacy training over the next two years.
Tech Goes Home builds pipelines for high-paying digital jobs while equipping individuals with the skills to thrive in today’s digital economy. The program serves residents of Hamilton, Bradley, Polk, McMinn, Marion, Sequatchie, Bledsoe, Rhea, Meigs, and Grundy counties.
“Through Tech Goes Home, we’re investing in classes that deliver digital literacy skills to improve learners’ quality of life and open doors to new opportunities,” said Sammy Lowdermilk, Program Director of Tech Goes Home Tennessee. “By collaborating with other supporting partners and agencies, The Enterprise Center and Tech Goes Home are reaching people, especially seniors and persons with disabilities, who would otherwise be cast to the economic and social sidelines in our increasingly digital world.”
As our regional economy continues to grow, these grants will help support residents not just in getting employed but also in entering competitive, thriving-wage careers. A 2023 report by the National Skills Coalition and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that an estimated 92% of jobs require digital literacy and that workers who qualify for jobs that require even one digital skill can earn an average of 23% more than in a job requiring no digital skills.
“This award is a testament to the proven track record of The Enterprise Center and speaks to our commitment to closing the digital divide through tech education programs and vital partnerships,” said The Enterprise Center President and CEO Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman. “Tech Goes Home classes provide crucial support for digital literacy training and workforce development initiatives to support workers in expanding their career paths.”
