Englewood Public School District Students to Receive Internet-Connected Devices from Verizon Innovative Learning at Rollout Event
In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes two Englewood Public Schools in for the 2024-2025 school year
ENGLEWOOD, New Jersey – WHAT: On Saturday, Sept. 7, Englewood Public School District will celebrate joining Verizon Innovative Learning—Verizon’s award-winning education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion and helps drive digital equity within education for some of the most vulnerable populations across the country—with a kickoff event at Dr. Grieco Elementary School in which students from Dwight Morrow High School and Janis Dismus Middle School will receive their own devices. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to get internet-connected devices into the hands of students and to enhance how teachers use technology in the classroom. 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. Teachers in the program have reported that the initiative allows for more individualized instruction, helps them explore new ways of teaching, and elevates student engagement.
Dwight Morrow High School and Janis Dismus Middle School are among 34 schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 2024-25 school year, bringing the program’s impact to 626 schools nationwide. A total of 1,012 devices with data plans will be provided to these Englewood Public Schools as part of the program. The market value of Verizon Innovative Learning’s investment is on average over $2.3 million per school.
“As a school district, it is our responsibility to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve success and reach their full potential. Through our partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, we are taking a significant step forward in closing the digital divide and providing equitable access to the resources our students need to thrive in today’s digital world. This initiative is about more than just technology—it’s about creating pathways for our students to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Marnie Hazelton, Superintendent of Schools.
“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.”
Saturday’s kickoff event at Dr. Grieco Elementary School will feature local students receiving their own devices, as well as:
Firsthand remarks from administrators and program leaders on why hands-on learning experiences using technology—particularly in middle and high school—are so important to academic achievement and lifelong success.
Interactive stations where teachers, students, staff, and community members can explore hands-on activities, highlighting innovative educational technology integration and the transformative impact it will have on classrooms through the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7 | 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dr. Grieco Elementary School | 50 Durie Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631
WHO:
Dr. Marnie Hazelton | Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Laura Scamardella | Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment/VILS
District Lead
Mark Bocchieri | Verizon, State and Local Government Affairs - Senior Manager
Local middle and high school students along with parents/guardians receiving new devices
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Delores Dalrymple-Williams at ddalrymplewilliams@epsd.org, Amy Lupardi at alupardi@epsd.org, or Rosandra Cece at rcece@epsd.org.
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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.