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BCPS Expands Participation in Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program
September 15, 2021
In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes four middle schools in Broward County Public Schools for the 2021/22 school year
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) expands participation in the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program provides free tech education and devices to students at four middle schools for the 2021/22 school year. Students and teachers at Gulfstream Academy of Hallandale Beach, Olsen Middle School, Pines Middle School and Westpine Middle School will receive free devices, internet access and innovative learning programs.
The four middle schools join Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, which addresses barriers to digital inclusion. The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program provides free devices, internet access and innovative learning programs to help give under-resourced students the technology, education and opportunity they deserve. Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning from anywhere – in the classroom, at home or in hybrid learning environments. Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement.
Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused education model, Verizon Innovative Learning also equips each school with a technology coach and provides professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers in the program have reported that the initiative helped prepare them for remote learning, allows for more individualized instruction and elevates student engagement. Students have reported that assignments are easier with the use of technology, and having it improves their confidence in the things they are able to accomplish.*
“So many students across the nation lack the access to technology and resources they need to be successful in today’s digital world,” said Merdochey LaFrance, Government Affairs, Verizon.
“On behalf of Verizon, we are excited to help enable students in Broward County Public Schools to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities for a more promising future,” said Giovanni Castro, Government Affairs, Verizon.
Gulfstream Academy of Hallandale Beach, Olsen Middle, Pines Middle and Westpine Middle are among 246 new schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 2021/22 school year, equipping nearly 183,000 new students with technology resources and bringing the program’s impact to more than 500 schools nationwide. A total of 3,307 devices will be provided to the four BCPS middle schools as part of the program.
Video caption: https://www.eduvision.tv/l?eAmeDge
Students at Westpine Middle School celebrate participation in the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program. Thanks to Verizon and Digital Promise, students and teachers receive free iPads, internet access and innovative learning programs.
*92% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning helped prepare them to teach remotely
*92% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning helped them explore new ways of teaching
*88% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning allowed for more individualized instruction
*84% of teachers said that Verizon Innovative Learning enhanced student engagement
*59% of students believe assignments are easier when using a device
*54% of students believe that having the technology improved their confidence in the things they can do
*Source: Westat (2020). Westat (2019)
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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest
in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.
About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon's award-winning education initiative, 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. Since 2012, the program has provided free technology, access and innovative learning programs to under-resourced schools, 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 will provide free access to immersive XR educational experiences to all K-12 teachers nationwide. The company is committed to providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.