Technology should be a gateway to opportunity, not a barrier.
About Together Tech
From an early age, I was proficient in navigating the internet and using devices for schoolwork. It came naturally to me, and I assumed it came easily to everyone else as well. When I joined SEA Literacy as a volunteer in 2023, I learned otherwise.
The SEA Literacy director would often remind me that many of the refugee students struggled with using their Chromebooks, and I soon saw it for myself. While tutoring the students and helping them with their homework, I noticed that even simple digital tasks, like logging into Google Classroom were often confusing or unfamiliar As I tried to support them, I began to realize how overwhelming their school experience must feel: navigating a new country, a new language, and a school system built entirely around digital tools like Google Classroom and Google Drive.
Witnessing this digital gap made me think about the other technological barriers that could limiting these families. That’s what inspired me to start Together Tech Inc.
My Work
To better understand the digital divide and how I could help, I began by conducting research. I interviewed staff and leaders at Milwaukee organizations, including the Bread of Healing Clinic, Progressive Community Health Center, City on a Hill, Sixteenth Street Clinic, United Way, SEA Literacy, and Hope House of Milwaukee. Through these conversations, I learned that technological challenges extended far beyond the classroom, affecting everything from applying for jobs and accessing healthcare to navigating public services and applying for insurance.
From talking to these organizations, I also learned that the best approach to helping the community would be a tailored approach, personalized instruction. This insight became the foundation of TechBridge.
I now run digital literacy workshops at community centers, free of charge. Each session is focused on meeting participants where they are. I have primarily worked with young children, from fourth to eighth graders, and my focus has been on adjusting my pace to match the students’ comfort level while keeping them engaged.
My goal is to continue bringing these workshops to underserved communities to equip them with this essential skill set. Technology should be a gateway to opportunity, not a barrier.
Media
About Me
I am Neerja Ahuja, the Founder and President of Together Tech Inc. Currently, I am a senior at Brookfield Academy High School. Outside of volunteering, my interests include tennis, Mock Trial, and Latin. I am excited to expand this initiative and empower even more people to overcome technological barriers!