eKnox Digital Literacy Program Seeks Instructors and Site Hosts to Empower Local Learners

eKnox Program Helps Knox County Adults Gain Free Computer Skills and Career Readiness

A local initiative is seeking to partner with more nonprofits and hire more instructors to provide free computer skills training to eligible adults in Knox County.

By supporting eKnox as a partner, organizations will receive the digital tools–instructors, curriculum and laptops–to help their clients better access education, healthcare, and career opportunities.

The Knoxville Chamber has collaborated with local nonprofits since 2022 to pilot the eKnox digital training program and expanded it last year with state broadband funding. More than 300 participants have completed 15 hours of in-person instruction and received new Chromebooks to continue developing their skills. Eligible adults are Knox County residents with household incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty guideline (for example, $46,950 for one person or $96,450 for a family of four).

Current partners include Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC); Center for English; Washington Pike United Methodist Church; Centro Hispano; Goodwill Bearden; KnoxWorx; and United Way Community Schools.

Digital literacy training is an essential part of workforce development, equipping adults with the technology skills required for nearly every job today. From submitting online applications to managing schedules, communicating through digital platforms, and accessing remote learning, digital proficiency opens doors to employment and advancement.

“Graduations from eKnox are very meaningful, as new doors are opened for participants to access job opportunities, monitor their child’s schoolwork, and communicate online,” said Nancy Nabors, director of regional enhancement for the Knoxville Chamber. “Not having digital knowledge is a huge barrier to success, and we’re thrilled to be able to extend this opportunity to residents of Knox County.”

Instructor Impact

Classes typically meet twice a week for five weeks in 1.5-hour sessions, with morning, afternoon, and evening options available Monday through Friday.

The curriculum, centered around Google Apps, teaches students how to:

• Set up and manage Gmail
• Write resumes and apply for jobs online
• Build a budget and use spreadsheets
• Explore telehealth and AI tools
• Navigate Knox County Schools’ online learning platforms

The Chamber is seeking lead and assistant instructors. Compensation is $22 per hour for lead instructors and $15 per hour for assistants. The job description with full details is available here.

“I love being an instructor for eKnox and helping others,” said Regina Brockman Turner, eKnox instructor at Maynard Elementary. “I helped a student create her resume and apply online for a management position. I’m proud to say she got it!”

For more information about eKnox or to apply as a site host or instructor, contact Earl Loss, Digital Literacy Coordinator, at [email protected].