Truist Foundation Grant Scales eKnox Community Digital Literacy Program

Truist Foundation has awarded the Knoxville Chamber a grant to scale its eKnox Community Digital Literacy Program with Knoxville nonprofit partners.

During the pilot from October 2022 to April 2023, 50 adults from underserved communities received 15 hours of free instruction on basic computer skills and were able to purchase a new Chromebook for $50. With the help of site partners Pond Gap Elementary School, a University of Tennessee-Assisted Community School; City of Knoxville Parks & Recreation; KnoxWorx; and Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, participants learned Google Workspace, resume writing and online job search skills, how to create a budget, internet safety, social media best practices, how to navigate Knox County Schools platforms, and more.

During the next phase, the chamber will utilize the Truist Foundation grant to assist nonprofit organizations that would like to start or expand an adult digital literacy program for their clients. Equipped with open-source curriculum and training, the hope is they will continue to offer digital literacy opportunities to the individuals they serve.

“Digital skills are critical for success in today’s work environment, and our grant will provide individuals with the knowledge and technology to compete for jobs and create upward mobility for their careers,” said Johnny Moore, Tennessee regional president for Truist. “Our partnership with the Knoxville Chamber illustrates our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities, and we are proud to help create positive change.”

Chloe Harrison, a University of Tennessee graduate and the chamber’s new Digital Literacy Coordinator, will lead the effort. Interested organizations can contact Chloe at [email protected].

Learn more about the program at www.knoxvillechamber.com/eknox.

Truist’s purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and one way Truist Foundation advances that mission is by investing in initiatives that build career pathways to economic mobility. For more information, visit Truist.com/Foundation.