Verizon continues to partner with HBCUs, HSIs, community colleges to bring STEM learning to youth
New York, United States – Verizon Innovative Learning, a company’s education initiative focused on driving digital equity and inclusion through a suite of programs and resources, is continuing to partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and community colleges for the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program.
Led by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program is a free, project-based STEM program open to middle school students. The program is held in partnership with, and on the campuses of, 45 HBCUs, HSIs and community colleges across the country.
Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers aims to empower middle school students in under-resourced communities to explore STEM subjects, learn problem-solving skills and gain exposure to career opportunities in technology fields. The program’s interactive curriculum, developed by Verizon in partnership with Arizona State University’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, centres around four educational tracks: media, smart solutions, digital product innovations and artificial intelligence. Participating students receive mentorship, access to next-gen technology – such as 3D printing, augmented reality (AR) and robotics, and hands-on training connected to real-world challenges that help teach design thinking and social entrepreneurship.
“Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers has impacted thousands of students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exposure on college campuses nationwide,” says Alex Servello, director of corporate social responsibility at Verizon. “We are excited to continue our partnership with NACCE and provide middle school students with a free opportunity to engage with emerging technologies and foster skills necessary for success in today’s digital world.”
The program is welcoming six new college locations for 2023, which include:
- Cleveland State University; Cleveland, OH
- Houston Christian University; Houston, TX
- Mercy College; Westchester County, New York
- University of Uniformed Services; Bethesda, MD
- Salt Lake Community College; Salt Lake City, UT
- Lincoln University; Philadelphia, PA
Free registration is now open for parents to sign up their rising 6th – 8th grade students for the summer sessions being offered in-person. The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program also consists of one in-person full-day workshop, both in the fall and spring, onsite at the partner college. To sign up for Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers, please click here.
Next-gen learning for all
Teachers and students can also leverage Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a free education portal that makes next-gen learning tools, including a curated collection of lesson plans, available to all. Through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, K-12 educators nationwide gain free access to over 275 lesson plans with 20 corresponding augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) apps. The education portal also provides educators with training and resources, including over 40 professional development courses. Educators can visit Verizon to sign up.
Citizen Verizon: Goal to 10 million youths with digital skills training
These efforts are all part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement. Citizen Verizon empowers Verizon to deliver on its mission to move the world forward through action by expanding digital access and resources, protecting the climate, and ensuring people have the skills needed for jobs of the future. Through Citizen Verizon, and the key pillar of digital inclusion, the company’s responsible business goals include providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. To learn more about Verizon’s digital inclusion efforts, visit Verizon.
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