BASKING RIDGE, N.J.,
Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As
millions of Americans 'shop small' this November, high school
students from across the country are offering local businesses more
hands-on support, through their tech skills. This school year,
underrepresented high school students in eight cities nationwide
are learning principles of design thinking, and how to apply them
to emerging technology and mobile devices to serve as creative
solutions for local small businesses and non-profits. Through a
program under Verizon Innovative Learning, the education initiative
of the Verizon Foundation, students are paired with small
business-owners to identify their challenges, and develop
technology-driven solutions through cutting edge augmented reality,
virtual reality and mobile apps.
Launched in 2015 in partnership with Arizona State University, the program reaches 8,000
high school students nationwide and has produced more than 200
products developed for over 75 small businesses and non-profit
organizations. Earlier this year, Verizon Innovative Learning
brought hundreds of teachers, who will implement the program, to
Arizona State University for training
in design thinking, entrepreneurship and app development, and will
continue to provide ongoing professional development throughout the
school year. Verizon is announcing the expansion of the program to
four new cities, including:
- Atlanta, GA;
- Las Vegas, NV;
- Los Angeles, CA; and
- Washington, D.C.
In addition to the newly added cities, the program will continue
to operate in flagship cities including Boston, MA, Phoenix,
AZ, Chicago, IL and
New York, NY.
Students will further their understanding of design thinking
principles and applications through in-depth, rigorous hands-on
learning courses with Project Lead The Way and Code.org.
Additionally, Verizon will host events throughout the year to
demonstrate the types of careers that exist in technology fields
and offer opportunities for students to meet with mentors.
Among past students that participated in this Verizon Innovative
Learning program:
- 94 percent were more interested in STEM subjects;
- 83 percent were more interested in school overall; and
- 92 percent were more interested in continuing their
education.
Verizon Innovative Learning brings free technology, free access
and immersive hands-on learning to students in need to prepare them
to thrive in a digital economy. This year, Verizon launched
#weneedmore, an effort to bring more attention to the critical need
for more kids to see the world of possibilities waiting for them in
STEM fields. Learn more at www.weneedmore.com.
About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, the education initiative of the
Verizon Foundation, brings technology and hands-on learning
opportunities to middle and high school students in underserved
schools and communities. We not only fund the programs, but we also
create and administer them in partnership with leading nonprofits.
We diligently measure the impact of our work and refine our
programs to ensure we're making a difference. We've reached more
than 300,000 students so far – and we're just getting started. For
more information about Verizon's philanthropic work, visit
www.verizon.com/about/responsibility; or for regular
updates, visit Facebook (www.facebook.com/verizonfoundation)
and Twitter (https://twitter.com/VZFoundation).
Related Links
http://www.verizon.com/
https://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.verizonenterprise.com/
http://www.verizon.com/about/
Media Contact:
Jessica
Thorpe
908.559.6734
jessica.thorpe@verizonwireless.com
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SOURCE Verizon