Six Verizon Innovative Learning Schools recognized for exemplary performance

NEW YORK, N.Y. – After four successful years in the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, six participating schools who have modeled exemplary performance have been selected as Verizon Innovative Learning demonstration schools. In partnership with nonprofit Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, which grew to 561 schools nationwide this fall, equips students and teachers at select Title I schools across the country with free technology devices, internet access, innovative STEM learning programs and professional development.

These schools were selected as demonstration schools for their commitment to powerful learning experiences and implementation of  sustained, successful technology integration. As Verizon Innovative Learning demonstration schools, educators and school leaders will share best practices, resources, exemplar lesson plans and stories of impact with the broader Verizon Innovative Learning Schools network. Every student and teacher will also receive a new device (either a tablet or laptop) with a data plan—a total of 5,541 new devices across the six schools.

The schools, which were chosen by Digital Promise following an application process and site visits, are:

• Austin Middle School, Irving Independent School District (TX)
• Chilhowee Middle School, Polk County Schools (TN)
• John A. Sutter Middle School, Los Angeles Unified School District (CA)
• Lamar Middle School, Irving Independent School District (TX)
• Mater Academy Charter Middle School, Mater Academy of Florida (FL)
• W.E.B. DuBois Academy, Jefferson County Public Schools (KY)

In addition, these schools exemplify the Six Elements of Success—components that program leaders deemed essential to sustaining a culture of powerful learning that leverages technology, such as ongoing professional learning and a strong leadership team.

Verizon Innovative Learning is Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, which addresses barriers to digital inclusion and helps drive equity within education for some of the most vulnerable populations across the country. A key initiative under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to drive the company’s commitment to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030.