A Summer of STEM
September 3, 2024
Verizon Impact Forward Blog Series
As summer comes to a close and students gear up for the new school year, we want to highlight the incredible work of Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers. Through Verizon Innovative Learning, our signature education initiative focused on driving digital equity and inclusion through a variety of programming, we continued our partnership this summer with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Together, we brought the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and community colleges across the United States.
Launched in 2015, the program allows middle school students in under-resourced communities to spend their summers exploring STEM subjects, learning problem-solving skills, and gaining exposure to career opportunities in technology fields. The program’s interactive curriculum, developed in partnership with Arizona State University’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, centers on four educational tracks: immersive media, smart solutions, digital product innovations, and artificial intelligence. Participating students get exposure to next-gen technologies such as 3D printing, augmented reality (AR), and robotics. Students benefit from hands-on training connected to real-world challenges that help teach design thinking and social entrepreneurship. They also receive mentoring from both Verizon employees and local technology professionals.
Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers has reached over 25,000 students since its creation, with 44 program sites in 26 states and Washington D.C. In 2023, 90% of students in the program indicated they enjoyed learning new things that involve STEM and 83% said that they can use STEM to impact issues affecting their community, the country, and the world. This summer, the program expanded existing locations’ capacities and is projected to reach more than 13,500 students in communities across the nation.
The deeper impact of the program is evident on the local level. Across the Midwest, Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers has reached 2,875 students since the program’s creation through partnerships with eight colleges in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio. For example, in Ohio, Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, hosted two groups of students over the summer. Youth had hands-on experiences with robotics and augmented and virtual reality, as well as instruction that built their knowledge on other innovative technologies. Students also received mentoring from Verizon employees, so they were able to benefit from real world experiences of technology professionals.
Throughout the Northeast, the program has reached 3,652 students through six college partnerships in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC. In the D.C. metro area, two programs, one at Howard University and another at the Uniformed Services University (USU), supported students across D.C. and Montgomery County. Howard University program attendees completed a curriculum that included Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Digital Product Innovations, and Immersive Media. USU’s programming engaged students to create STEM solutions for service members injured in combat. Guest speaker Robert Bowers, a Verizon security expert and a veteran, remarked of the USU STEM fair, “I was elated to find so many students interested in using STEM-related skills to address real problems people face today. Their ability to craft innovative solutions and embrace out of the box thinking was truly remarkable. It was an honor to see the convergence of gifted minds, sincere excitement, and new creativity at the science fair – really amazing work,” said Bowers.
Keeping students engaged throughout the summer is critical not only for their academic growth, but also to ensure youth have safe spaces while out of school. Moreover, innovative programs like Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers can lessen students’ learning loss during school breaks. Verizon is committed to supporting students with holistic STEM programming all year long.
–
Verizon Impact Forward is our ongoing series highlighting Verizon’s local approach to corporate social responsibility, including the community-based partnerships that make this work possible.