Seniors in Whitfield County, Georgia Graduate from Digital Skills Course

On March 19th, twelve seniors at the Whitfield County Senior Center graduated from a one-week, 15-hour digital literacy course led by Tech Goes Home.

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The program taught participants how to use laptops for everyday tasks like sending emails, accessing Telehealth services, and making video calls. At the end of the course, each graduate received a laptop to continue practicing their new skills.

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This program in Whitfield County is supported by Thrive Regional Partnership and the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, a Connect Humanity program made possible with funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

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"Technology is part of everyday life now, and seniors need to be able to access essential services like Social Security, which is no longer as easy to reach by phone. More importantly, it helps them stay connected instead of feeling left out."

Mary Hammontree, Director of the Whitfield County Senior Center

Confidence through connectivity

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Upon graduating, participants shared how the program has helped them. Carmella, one of the graduates, said she previously only used her computer to play games and pay bills. “I learned how to use spreadsheets and realized my computer can do so much more.” 

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Another graduate, Mary Noble, said she was excited to learn how to use Google Meet to connect with family. “I’ve used a computer a little before, but I had no idea it could do so many things. Now, I know how to make lists, use spreadsheets, and I’m looking forward to calling my grandchildren on Google Meet.”

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Hammontree praised the broadband expansion efforts in Whitfield County as a result of the Appalachia Digital Accelerator program. “The trainer was great, and this experience has been really positive for our seniors. We’d love to work with them again to bring more digital learning opportunities to the community.”

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For many of the graduates, this program was more than just a class—it was a step toward greater independence and confidence in using technology. The Senior Center looks forward to offering more programs like this in the future to continue supporting the community’s needs.

One step closer to digital confidence

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Tech Goes Home digital skills programs are expanding further into northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama, in a new partnership with Thrive Regional Partnership and The Enterprise Center, which operates the program across the state of Tennessee.  

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The expansion is supported in part by a $2.87 million federal grant awarded to Thrive Regional Partnership by the ARISE program, a multi-state initiative of the Appalachian Regional Commission that drives large-scale, regional economic transformation through collaborative projects. 

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Bring Tech Goes Home to your community

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Grow digital skills and confidence in your community with Tech Goes Home courses. To learn more, contact Thrive Regional Partnership. We’ll be in touch with program information and timelines.

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