In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes four additional schools in BCPS for the 2021/22 school year 

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has expanded its participation in Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion and is a key program under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning equips every student and teacher at select middle and high schools across America with a device and up to a four-year data plan. In addition to free technology and access, schools receive extensive teacher training and support, along with the opportunity to engage in powerful teaching and learning that leverages technology in and out of the classroom.

The program, which launched in 2012, has reached more than 212,000 students and 14,000 teachers across 264 middle and high schools to date. Gulfstream Academy, Olsen Middle School, Pines Middle School and Westpine Middle School are among the 148 new schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning, bringing the program to more than 400 middle and high schools nationwide. These schools join five other Broward County Public Schools – Glades Middle School, Margate Middle School, McNicol Middle Magnet & STEM School, New Renaissance Middle School and Nova Middle School – already participating in Verizon Innovative Learning.

In addition to free mobile devices and accompanying 30GB 4G LTE data plans, participating schools will be assigned a full-time coach to train teachers in effectively integrating technology into their lessons.

“Providing our students with access to high-quality digital learning helps set them up for success in our increasingly digital world,” said BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “Now, we have the tools and solutions that have the potential to transform and improve the system so students can achieve more and develop valuable skills with better outcomes.”

“As we are all aware, so many students across the nation are in need of access to technology and the skills needed to be successful in our digital world,” said Merdochey LaFrance, manager, Verizon State Government Affairs. “On behalf of Verizon, we are excited that more students in Broward County Public Schools will have the resources they need to thrive in today’s digital world for a more promising future.”

Verizon Innovative Learning is driving academic improvements as a result of the initiative.*  In fact, 59 percent of Verizon Innovative Learning students believe assignments are easier when using a device, and 54 percent believe having the device improved their confidence in the things they can do. Moreover, Verizon Innovative Learning teachers felt more prepared for distance learning thanks to the initiative, with 92 percent reporting that Verizon Innovative Learning helped prepare them to teach remotely.**

To date, Verizon has invested over $535 million in market value toward STEM education efforts in support of digital inclusion, impacting more than 480,000 students nationwide.

* Source: Westat (2019).Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Survey Result Dashboard Dec 2019
**Source: Westat (2020): Verizon Innovative Learning Teacher Survey June 2020