Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS)
Millions of students nationwide lack the access to technology and the skills they need to succeed in the digital world. Since 2012, Verizon has been working to help solve this problem through a transformative program called Verizon Innovative Learning.
Digital Promise collaborates with Verizon to equip every student and teacher at select middle and high schools across America with a device and up to a four-year data plan and provide students without reliable home internet access with a mobile hotspot. In addition to free technology and access, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools receive extensive teacher training, support, and the opportunity to engage in a unique, immersive curriculum to leverage technology in their classrooms.
About This Project
The Verizon Innovative Learning schools (VILs) initiative was designed by Verizon to utilize its technology and best-in-class partnerships to provide underserved students with meaningful access to the internet for learning. The initiative provides every student with a mobile device and data plan and creates meaningful innovative learning opportunities that leverage mobile technology in school and out of school. Its goal is to prepare students for success in college and STEM careers.
The project is made up of four equally important parts, as illustrated in the image below:
The VILs initiative provides students with an opportunity to envision a future different than the one they see today through:
- Always Available Access: Through devices, Verizon’s reliable data access, Digital Promise’s readiness framework, and the school district’s infrastructure, all students and educators have internet access 24/7 at home and at school.
- Digital Literacy: Digital Promise, along with EdTechTeacher and Verizon Innovative Learning school districts, develop the strategies to ensure teachers and students are becoming increasingly digitally literate.
- STEM Learning Opportunities: By leveraging its internal business groups and partnerships with best-in-class STEM organizations, Verizon facilitates quarterly STEM learning opportunities for Verizon Innovative Learning schools.
- Powerful Use: Digital Promise supports school coaches in building a professional learning strategy that capitalizes on the always accessible technology, resulting in improved teaching and learning. Teachers engage students with meaningful real-world challenges and support personalized pathways that leverage each student’s abilities.
