Students at Brainerd High School recently celebrated the completion of a digital literacy program designed to equip them with the skills and technology needed to succeed in an increasingly connected world.
The Tech Goes Home program was implemented at the school in January 2026 and concluded with a graduation ceremony and device distribution on March 12. A total of 64 students participated in the program, most of them juniors, along with several seniors and one ninth-grade student.
The initiative is part of Tech Goes Home Chattanooga (TGH CHA), the digital inclusion program of The Enterprise Center. The local program is modeled after the national Tech Goes Home initiative, which was founded in Boston in 1999 and has helped participants gain access to technology, internet connectivity and digital education.
Dr. Squoia Holmes, a Computer Science Foundations teacher at Brainerd High School who served as the program’s trainer, said the partnership strengthened the learning already taking place in the classroom.
“Integrating the Tech Goes Home program into our Computer Science classroom was a powerful extension of the learning already taking place at Brainerd High School,” Holmes said. “This program enriched learning by giving students an incentive to continue growing as responsible digital citizens.”
Through the program, students completed 15 hours of digital skills training designed to help them understand how technology and the internet can support their daily lives, education and career goals. Upon completing the course, participants received a new Chromebook and information about accessing low-cost home internet services.
The program’s curriculum focuses on practical technology skills such as navigating the internet safely, using online tools for schoolwork, managing digital communication and exploring resources for education and employment.
Tech Goes Home Chattanooga partners with schools, public libraries, churches and nonprofit organizations throughout Hamilton County to provide free courses that promote smart technology use and digital citizenship. Programs are available for residents of all ages, including adults, school-aged children and preschoolers.
Organizers say the goal is to help bridge the digital divide by ensuring that residents have the devices, skills and connectivity needed to access 21st-century opportunities.
Located at 1020 N. Moore Road in Chattanooga, Brainerd High School is part of Hamilton County Schools and serves a diverse student population. The school offers a range of academic and career programs, including Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses, as well as career and technical education pathways in fields such as aviation and health sciences. School leaders say initiatives like the Tech Goes Home program help ensure students are prepared not only for college and careers, but also for navigating a technology-driven world.