Anyone in Hamilton County interested in improving their digital skills (for career advancement or personal development) can benefit from Tech Goes Home Chattanooga’s free Office Ready or Computer Basics courses – and applications are open for late summer and fall classes.
Community classes for Computer Basics will begin Aug. 17, with a second round of courses beginning in October, while Office Ready courses – which focus on job readiness – have two enrollment options in September and December.
Participants for any TGH program receive 15 hours of classroom training then have the option to purchase a new Chromebook or tablet for $50 (upon completion of the course) and receive assistance in obtaining access to low-cost home internet.
“These classes continue to fill up and it shows what a need there is for this ongoing education,” said Tech Goes Home Program Director Sammy Lowdermilk.
“So many of us take access to technology for granted, it’s important to remember how many people have not had these opportunities; that’s why this programming is such a critical piece of addressing the digital divide.”
Through partnerships with schools, public libraries, churches, nonprofits and other organizations across the county, TGH CHA offers free courses designed to help residents develop skills and habits required for smart technology and internet use.
TGH is The Enterprise Center's digital inclusion and literacy program for residents in Hamilton County, and around the region and state. Since 2014, nearly 7,000 residents have attended a Tech Goes Home course.
Class sizes are limited and registration is required. For more information or to apply for the free classes, call 423-521-2071 or visit
www.techgoeshomecha.org.