Verizon's Significant Impact on Education
NEW YORK – Verizon Innovative Learning has made remarkable strides in education by reaching over 8.5 million students. This initiative aims to empower a total of 10 million students by 2030, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to digital equity. The program focuses on providing students and teachers with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Empowering Educators and Students
In collaboration with leading educational institutions, Verizon Innovative Learning paves the way for teachers and students to engage in a technology-rich curriculum. This integrated approach to education emphasizes the importance of digital literacy in preparing the future workforce. Strikingly, only 55% of students entering the job market feel adequately prepared with the skills essential for success today. This statistic underscores the importance of Verizon's mission to bridge the digital divide, a challenge that has been central to its efforts for over a decade.
Voices from the Initiative
Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer at Verizon, expressed dedication toward overcoming obstacles in education. She stated, "For more than a decade, Verizon Innovative Learning has committed to breaking down barriers and equipping students with the skills and technology they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. By expanding our reach, we continue to fuel the greatness of the next generation and ensure students and teachers feel confident utilizing technology." This speaks volumes about the initiative's ongoing influence in educational settings.
Welcoming New Schools into the Program
For the upcoming school year, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools has announced the addition of 34 new Title I schools across nine districts as part of its 12th cohort. These schools will receive essential devices, including tablets and laptops, along with up to a four-year Verizon data plan for every student and teacher. Moreover, they will benefit from the inclusion of a full-time technology coach dedicated to assisting teachers in effectively integrating technology into their classrooms.
Results and Feedback
The feedback from participating schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with 80% of teachers reporting increased confidence in using technology for teaching. Effectively, the program has heightened student engagement, demonstrating the transformative potential of tech-driven education.
Revolutionizing the Classroom Experience
Educators across the nation, even those outside the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools network, have access to Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. This platform offers over 500 STEM-focused K-12 lessons and professional development resources, fostering innovative approaches to learning. The HQ portal is a treasure trove of standards-aligned educational material, ranging from self-contained lessons to immersive year-long courses featuring augmented and virtual reality experiences. It even includes gaming content and a complimentary Esports league for middle and high school students, showcasing a modern approach to engagement and learning.
Long-Term Commitment to Educational Equity
Verizon has pledged over $1 billion to advance digital equity and inclusion in education. The collective impact of these efforts has successfully connected with more than 8.5 million students, reflecting Verizon’s broader objectives of economic, environmental, and social responsibility. The goal is simple: empower individuals through technology and shared knowledge to foster positive change in their lives and communities.
About Verizon Communications
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) is dedicated to powering how millions of customers engage, work, and play. With headquarters in New York City, Verizon serves customers globally, including nearly all Fortune 500 companies. With substantial revenues of $134.8 billion recently, Verizon continues to innovate in meeting customer needs, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Verizon Innovative Learning initiative?
Verizon Innovative Learning is an education initiative aimed at empowering students and teachers through technology-integrated curricula and digital resources.
How many students has Verizon Innovative Learning reached?
The initiative has successfully reached over 8.5 million students, with goals to empower 10 million by 2030.
What resources does Verizon Innovative Learning HQ offer?
Verizon Innovative Learning HQ provides educators with over 500 STEM-focused lessons, professional development resources, and access to innovative teaching tools, including AR and VR experiences.
What kind of support do participating schools receive?
Participating schools receive devices, data plans for students and teachers, and access to a full-time technology coach to help integrate technology into learning effectively.
How does Verizon support educational equity?
Verizon has committed over $1 billion to promote digital equity and inclusion in education, facilitating access to technology and quality learning experiences for underserved students.
