In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning will welcome two schools in Englewood Public School District for the 2024-25 school year.
ENGLEWOOD, New Jersey – Today, Englewood Public School District joins Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to provide free technology devices, access to the internet and innovative STEM learning programs, giving students in under-resourced schools the technology, education and opportunity they deserve. Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning wherever it’s taking place. In addition to reliable access for every student and teacher, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools also equips each school with a technology coach and provides robust professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.
Dwight Morrow High School and Janis Dismus Middle School are among the 34 new schools joining the 11th cohort of Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, bringing the program to 626 middle and high schools nationwide.
In addition to free laptops with accompanying Verizon data plans for every student and teacher beginning in fall 2024, participating schools will be assigned a full-time coach to train teachers in effectively integrating technology into their lessons.
“The board of education and I are ecstatic that our students and teachers are joining the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools initiative,” said Dr. Marnie Hazelton, Superintendent of Schools. “In Englewood, we pride ourselves on being futuristic and cutting-edge. We look forward to growing and learning with other school districts in Cohort 11." “At Verizon, we all know how critical access to technology and skills development is in today’s digital world,” said Mario Acosta-Velez, Region Director, Verizon Local Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility. "That’s why we are proud to bring Verizon Innovative Learning Schools to Englewood Public School District and enable students to develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities to be successful and become the next generation of STEM leaders.” Verizon Innovative Learning is driving academic improvements. In fact, 82 percent of teachers reported that Verizon Innovative Learning enhanced their ability to differentiate instruction and 77 percent said the program enhanced student engagement.
These efforts to support digital inclusion are part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon’s responsible business plan to move the world forward for all. Learn more about the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program and how to apply at verizon.digitalpromise.org.
**Source: Westat (2022): Verizon Innovative Learning Teacher Survey June 2022
About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, is celebrating over a decade of commitment to addressing barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers. Since 2012, the program has committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching over 7 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and emerging technology-infused learning programs to students in under-resourced communities—enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build an innovative workforce of the future. In 2021, Verizon launched Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a next-gen online education portal that provides free access to immersive extended reality (XR) educational experiences to all educators, including K–12 teachers, nationwide. A key program 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. Learn more at citizenverizon.com.