South Florida Tech HubSouth Florida Tech Hub
08
Nov, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Pines Middle School celebrates the opening of the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab

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This month, Pines Middle School celebrated the grand opening of the new Verizon Innovative Learning Lab in the City of Pembroke Pines.

The Verizon Innovative Learning program is helping millions of students thrive delivering technology and access to millions of students, inspiring teachers with learning tools and students to explore STEM, and training over 10 million youth in digital skills by 2030.

Whether learning about under water animals, music, content creation, art or engineering, students can tap into their creativity. Through an online portal, teachers can access lessons, training tools and innovative apps at no cost to help bring next-gen tech into the classroom. From the needed devices to the online portal, everything is provided.

Pines Middle School is located in Pembroke Pines which is a part of Broward County Public Schools. According to a US News World Report, Pines Middle School’s minority student enrollment is over 94% with over 600 students in 6th – 8th grades. Less than half the students have proficient test scores in reading and math as of 2021. The school district and the middle school are working very hard to change this.

In November 2014, Broward County voters approved an $800 million bond referendum that provides critically needed funding for students and schools. Broward County Public Schools has committed to investing the funding in safety, music, art, athletics, renovations, and technology (SMART) at every school. The Office of Facilities and Construction is tasked with renovations to schools based on the SMART program needs assessment. Pines Middle School was allocated $1,163,728 with a targeted completion of Q2 in 2024.

Additionally, as part of the School Choice Enhancement Program (SCEP), schools are allocated $100,000 to spend on customized enhancements voted on by the school and its community. Common uses of the funds include laptops, security enhancements, projectors, and other useful educational tools. Pines Middle School chose to use some of the funds towards desk tops, laptop wiring, a Think Station, morning show equipment, Thank Pads and more.

This recent gift from Verizon is a perfect complement to all the renovations and improvements that school has been going through for the past few years.

Through the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab program, teachers receive robust professional development and coaching to cultivate powerful learning that extends beyond the classroom. Education leaders benefit from the infrastructure, expert guidance, and learning community to design and implement sustainable approaches to digital equity. There is no cost to the school.

Verizon is always looking to partner with new districts where Verizon Innovative Learning Schools can support digital equity and learning. Interested public school districts or public charter networks in the U.S. with at least two qualifying schools may apply. To qualify, schools must: (1) Serve middle and/or high school students and (2) Have a free and reduced price lunch participation rate of 65%+ or participate in the Community Eligibility Provision.

The event was attended by Pembroke Pines City Commissioner Thomas Good, Jr. and Verizon’s Director, Local Engagement (State & Local Government Affairs), Merdochey LaFrance.

Merdochey wrote in a recent social media post, “Technology is the great equalizer and can propel students to brighter futures. Pines Middle School students can access innovative learning tools with the opening of the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab!” She continued, “I’m grateful to City of Pembroke Pines Commissioner Tom Good for joining me last night for the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab ribbon cutting at Pines Middle School!”

To learn more about Verizon’s Innovative Learning Program, visit https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/verizon-innovative-learning

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14
Aug, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Verizon turbo charges its 5G network with the addition of more spectrum

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Today, Verizon announced that it now has access to the total amount of 5G C-band spectrum awarded at auction in March 2021 – four months ahead of schedule.

This allows Verizon to more quickly expand and enhance its 5G Ultra Wideband network nationwide, more than doubling and, in some markets, tripling the 5G bandwidth available to serve customers. This will provide much greater capacity to accommodate more customers and more robust services, as well as enable higher data speeds. This additional spectrum will also allow Verizon to offer 5G Home broadband and Business Internet services to more customers.

“Early access to the remainder of the C-band spectrum puts us another four months ahead of schedule from our original projections. This additional spectrum will make 5G Ultra Wideband available to even more Americans, and will open up more availability of our home and business broadband solutions,” said Joe Russo, EVP & President of Global Networks and Technology for Verizon. “The more spectrum we deploy on our network, the more capacity we add for our customer’s to connect.”

Since Verizon began deploying 5G service using C-band spectrum, the lightning fast 5G service has been made available to more than 222 million people in 359 markets* and more than 40 million households have access to Verizon’s Home Internet with 384,000 new customers subscribing to Verizon’s Fixed Wireless Access based home internet products (both LTE and 5G) in the second quarter of this year alone, bringing total FWA customers to 2.3 million.

Verizon’s C-band holdings

Verizon won C-Band licenses for between 140-200 MHz in all available markets, and began deploying 60 MHz in the first 46 areas in 2022. As the additional spectrum has been cleared by satellite companies outside of the first 46 areas, Verizon has been able to deploy 5G Ultra Wideband using a portion of its licensed bandwidth in many more markets coast to coast.

Now, with final clearance from the satellite incumbents, Verizon will be able to use the entirety of its licensed C-band spectrum, an average of 161 MHz coast to coast with some markets accessing a full 200 MHz. Verizon has been deploying equipment that is capable of the full 200MHz of bandwidth, so with a mere software update, customers will start to see the effects of this dramatic increase in bandwidth in the immediate next few days and weeks.

Specifically, Verizon now has access to:

  • A minimum 140 megahertz of total spectrum in the contiguous United States and an average of 161 megahertz nationwide; that’s bandwidth in every available market, 406 markets in all.
  • Up to 200 megahertz in 158 mostly rural markets covering nearly 40 million people. This will further enhance Verizon’s broadband solution portfolio for rural America.

“Since we began building 5G, we have had a first mover advantage. We are more than a year ahead in building and selling mmWave with our 5G Ultra Wideband service and still the only company with commercial Mobile Edge Compute. Now we intend to extend our lead by accelerating our deployment of C-Band. Our new C-Band position combined with our mmWave, means we are the only carrier suited to deploy the fastest, most powerful 5G experience to the most people – or as we call it, 5G built right.”

More service in more places

Accelerated access to best-in-class spectrum holdings means greater capacity and faster speeds in major metro areas where Verizon’s network is already undefeated in 96.8% of the metro drive tests (121 out of 125 markets) performed by the most rigorous scientific testing company** in the first half of 2023. Additional spectrum also allows Verizon to continue expanding coverage of its 5G network, the most reliable in the US,*** introducing 5G Ultra Wideband service into even more rural and suburban areas.

 

 

* Market is defined in terms of PEA or Partial Economic Area defined by the FCC.

** Rankings based on the RootMetrics® metro RootScore® Reports for 125 metro areas tested during Jan – June 2023: Tested with best commercially available smartphones on three mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of Verizon.

*** Rankings based on the RootMetrics® State of 5G in the US Report: 2H 2022. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on three mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of Verizon.

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11
May, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Verizon and Boca Raton-based Vertical Bridge forge agreement to expand Verizon’s 4G and 5G Ultra Wideband services

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Verizon Communications Inc (VZ:NYSE) and Vertical Bridge have entered into an agreement to build cell towers across the US to expand Verizon’s 4G and 5G Ultra Wideband services.

Vertical Bridge has agreed to construct these towers to-suit with Verizon as the anchor tenant. The towers will be held in an LLC formed by Vertical Bridge in which Verizon has a profits interest. The new towers will add to the overall communications infrastructure in the US, and will help to fulfill the need for new locations where towers do not exist today to continue to enhance the wireless experience.

“Our new agreement with Vertical Bridge is an excellent alternative to the traditional tower leasing model. This cost-effective, sustainable and efficient model will allow us to accelerate our build program and provide additional services to customers,” said Lynn Cox, Chief Engineering Officer for Verizon.

“We continue to focus on technology innovation and fast deployment to enable greater connectivity for our customers.”

The deal is structured in so that the new towers will be held in an LLC owned by Vertical Bridge and Verizon will have a profit interest in that company. This allows the partners to decide where to build out the towers according to what areas need them most, but also both profit on the tower space.

Vertical Bridge has rapidly become the largest private owner and operator of communications infrastructure in the U.S., with more than 500,000 sites nationwide, including wireless and broadcast towers, rooftops, convenience stores, land parcels, utility structures and billboards. We continue to grow and enhance our infrastructure each year to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

New technologies like 5G and ATSC 3.0 need new infrastructure solutions. As a private company, Vertical Bridge is often better positioned to respond with agility than any other competitor. Yet their expansive asset portfolio puts them in the same class as the largest public providers. Vertical Bridge is currently the largest private company in the industry.

“This new model, designed to deliver value for both parties, is a demonstration of strong collaboration and mutual benefit between a carrier and a tower company to accelerate infrastructure development in the US,” said Ron Bizick, President and CEO, Vertical Bridge. “We are committed to rapidly building the infrastructure needed to drive the wireless telecommunications industry forward.”

Ron alluded in his statement that this is a “new model” and not typically how business is done in the U.S. market.

The comprehensive solution at scale provides an outstanding opportunity to deliver value and meet Verizon’s wireless infrastructure needs for years to come.

Ron, new to his seat as President & CEO, has only been in the role for days as he was appointed just last week. Although, he is not completely new to Vertical Bridge as he served as COO for a little over a year. He comes with lots of experience from roles prior to Vertical Bridge. Ron served as CEO of Tarpon Towers, LLC, EVP & COO of Global Signal, Inc. and EVP and COO of SBA Communications.

The Co-Founder and former CEO, Alex Gellman, has stepped into a new role as Executive Chairman. He is responsible for developing and leading the firm’s overall strategy and growth.

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03
May, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Verizon drives enhanced connectivity at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix

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Verizon is bringing private wireless network solutions to this year’s Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.

The company deployed a Private Managed Wireless Solution at the track that enables venue management solutions including ticket scanning, digital sign management, multiple point of sale terminals for various merchants, and immediate uploads for photographers looking to cover the action as it unfolds. With nearly a quarter of a million people expected to attend the three-day event, a dedicated private network delivers high-speed, high-capacity, and low-latency for these applications as well as reduced interference and greater privacy and security.

Private networks provide enhanced location flexibility at large scale events eliminating the need to run fiber cabling inside and around venues to support network connectivity. This wireless venue platform allows stadium operators and the infrastructure providers they work with to reduce infrastructure costs and increase efficiency. Verizon will also have a portable private wireless network at the race to showcase various real-time communications applications that can be used in racing, whether it’s race team communications or venue operations. Private managed wireless network solutions are part of the broader Verizon Business Connected Venue approach, which is rooted in its 5G investment in more than 95 large public venues in the United States, including some of the most iconic major sports and music venues.

“With private networks, venue operators are improving existing operations, allowing fans to quickly get into the venue, purchase merchandise, and get to their seats,” said Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon Business.

“ In a sport like racing, no one wants to miss a second of the action, and fans will not only benefit from the private network, our 5G Ultra Wideband network is blanketing the Hard Rock Stadium area so attendees can stream, tweet, and share their experiences quickly and reliably.”

Verizon Upgrades Network for Race Fans

Last year, Verizon customers attending the event used 19 TB of data and Verizon engineers are expecting even greater usage this year. To prepare the area, engineers have deployed additional 4G and 5G service to the Bowl, back of the house, parking area, and throughout the Miami International Autodrome. Engineers have used a variety of spectrum to provide these upgraded services. For 5G services, Verizon is using a combination of C-band, its mid-band spectrum designed for excellent coverage and mmWave, its premium, high-band spectrum which allows for massive capacity.

Engineers have increased bandwidth on fiber feeding the area as well. Verizon has increased the capacity on the fiber connections by adding 864 count fiber strands to the northeast, southwest and northwest corners of the Distributed Antenna System at Hard Rock Stadium as well as in the west lot. Fiber was also expanded throughout the outdoor areas to increase capacity for the Outdoor Distributed Antenna System. Lastly, engineers expanded fiber for cell sites along the track course.

In the parking area, Verizon added a performance enhancement technology that divides crowds into sectors like slices of a pie. Each slice or sector can be adjusted individually to handle wireless traffic. This technology gives Verizon engineers more leeway to adjust performance based on where customers move and how they use data inside the stadium.

Verizon recently announced upgrades to the entire Miami area where 94% of customers now have access to 5G Ultra Wideband service.

The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix takes place May 5-7, 2023 at the Miami International Autodrome located at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami football team and the Miami Open presented by Itaú. Fans can also visit the Hard Rock Stadium Express Shop, powered by Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband and mobile edge compute, which allows event attendees to avoid long lines and quickly grab snacks, and beverages, and go.

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07
Mar, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready opens new round of grant funding

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Verizon just announced that a new grant funding opportunity for small businesses, totaling $500,000, is now available via Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.

In partnership with partners Next Street and LISC, the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online resource is designed to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. Small businesses can access, for free, personalized learning through over 40 courses, mentorship, peer networking, 1:1 expert coaching and incentives such as grant funding. There are over 30 online courses on digital readiness, finance, operations and more and more than 200 live and virtual events to connect with experts and peers.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Rose Stuckey Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon.

“We developed the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal to give small businesses tools and resources that can help them succeed and, ultimately, help benefit their local economies.”

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal was created with and for small businesses, with a specific focus on helping diverse and under-resourced business owners. Starting March until May 12, 2023, small businesses can unlock the application for this round of grant funding by first registering on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, available at www.verizon.com/smallbusinessdigitalready, and completing at least two of the following, in any combination: courses, live coaching or community events. Small businesses that complete the application will be eligible to receive a $10,000 grant.

“We had taken a Verizon Small Business Digital Ready course on social media and wanted to invest in digital marketing. And we were fortunate to receive a Verizon Small Business Digital Ready grant,” said Joe Alvarez, co-founder of iCareClean. “With the grant funds, we funded marketing projects and placed ads in online search results and on social media, all of which have significantly helped our sales efforts.”

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready includes courses designed to provide essential knowledge and tools, including topics such as developing a marketing strategy, marketing with influencers, creating a content calendar, and the basics of building your business website. The free portal also includes access to mentorship, providing small business owners with the opportunity to obtain ongoing advice and support from experienced professionals who can help them overcome business challenges. Spanish language course offerings, coaching from experts and community events are also available.

In an effort to help launch the next round of grants and support the small business community, Verizon welcomed hundreds of entrepreneurs for StartUP FIU’s Small Business Kick-Off presented by Bank of America this past week. Merdochey LaFrance, Director, Local Engagement (State & Local Government Affairs) at Verizon, moderated a discussion on Digital Equity for Small Business Panel which explored the importance of digital equity for small businesses in today’s digital age.

She was joined by panelists Martu E. Freeman-Parker, Director of Fashion Business Development at Mana Common, Steven Banasiak, Broker Associate at Baron Real Estate, Dr. J. Chris Ford,
Mission-to-Market Manager at FU, and Nikki Cabus, CEO at South Florida Tech Hub, who discussed the challenges small businesses face in accessing digital resources, strategies to create a level playing field for all businesses, and the potential long-term effects of building equity for small businesses.

This initiative is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1M small businesses by 2030 with the resources to thrive in the digital economy as part of its responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon.

Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts.

 

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20
Sep, 2022

By Nikki Cabus

Verizon & CoLAB support startups with new Health Equity cohort

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Verizon & coLAB are supporting startups working to break down barriers to quality care with solutions leveraging next generation technology. They are currently accepting applications for the Verizon Forward for Good Accelerator’s newest cohort: Health Equity.
For the last 10+ years, coLAB has built and managed a community of over 150k innovators, corporate partners, VCs, universities, community organizations, industry experts, nonprofits, and beyond. Through collaboration, they have done everything from business model innovation for Fortune 500s, to working with the next-generation of startups solving pressing social issues like climate justice.
CoLAB leads with a client-first approach, so programs always deliver on specific goals. CoLAB is proud that they don’t take equity stakes in companies saying that they can focus on making you happy through customization, agility, and better prices than the competition. CoLAB focuses on accelerators, ecosystem development, intrapreneurship, pre-accelerators, and open innovation challenges.
Verizon and CoLAB are supporting startups working to close the gaps in health access and outcomes. The search is one for solutions leveraging next generation technology to break down barriers to quality care.
Over 16 weeks, selected startups will receive $50,000 in non-dilutive funding, hands-on technology coaching, industry mentorship, and additional resources to help scale their technology such as the opportunity to create with the community that you’re building for.

Verizon is looking for U.S-based Seed and Series A startups utilizing technologies like 5G, MEC, XR and AI to advance connected health solutions in:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Capture, Sharing & Analytics
  • Telemedicine
  • Streamlined Virtual Care
  • Medical Transportation
  • Chronic Disease Management & Monitoring
  • Care Coordination & Collaboration
  • Population Health Management
  • Digital Marketplace Enablement
  • Health e-Learning / Education

Health Tech has the potential to unlock a more equitable healthcare system. 5G offers one of the fastest networks ever seen, and can provide higher speed, lower latency and greater capacity than previous cellular networks. It can enhance the abilities of other supporting technologies like edge computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and immersive platforms using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

Verizon is accelerating the digital evolution of health with 5G connectivity, data security, and collaboration solutions that are enabling the innovation ecosystem. Selected startups will receive hands-on coaching from a dedicated board of Verizon solution architects and healthcare subject matter experts throughout the program.

Applications are now open, but the deadline is Friday, November 11th. Click here for more info. 

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13
Sep, 2022

By Nikki Cabus

U.S. government program ACP helps many low income households pay for broadband

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Broadband internet has rapidly become vital for accessing education, healthcare, remote work, and social services. Unfortunately, 18 million U.S. households do not have access to broadband – not due to a lack of available service, but simply because they cannot afford it.

The new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a monthly federal benefit that helps low income households pay for broadband service and internet-connected devices. The program stands to connect 47 million Americans to home internet, but as few as 23% of eligible individuals have enrolled due to awareness, trust, and enrollment barriers.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was created by Congress and implemented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assist eligible households to pay for internet services. The ACP will provide assistance to customers needing to connect to jobs, healthcare, and virtual classrooms.

The goal of this program is to ensure that internet service is affordable for everyone. However, you must use the service to keep the subsidy. If you reach 30 days without any internet usage, you may no longer be eligible to receive the subsidy.

The ACP is funded by Congress. In the event it is discontinued, the FCC will announce its end date. In that case, at the end of the program, you will be charged the undiscounted rate if you continue to receive the service, which will be subject to our general terms and conditions. You may transfer this ACP subsidy to another provider at any time.

Verizon recognizes the importance of internet connectivity and is pleased to make the ACP subsidy available to our eligible customers. Up to one $30/month subsidy for each eligible household or up to one $75/month subsidy for each eligible household on Tribal lands is offered.

Imagine not being able to connect to your classroom, job or healthcare? That’s why we’re participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program where qualifying households get up to $30/month off select home internet & mobile plans. Everyone deserves to stay connected.

To learn more about how you can take advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program using Verizon, click here. 

 

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11
Jul, 2022

By Nikki Cabus

Verizon’s Community Partnership Chat with Palm Beach-Based Startup Imanyco

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Verizon’s Director of Local Engagement, State & Local Government Affairs, Merdochey LaFrance, sat down with Saïda Florexil, founder of Imanyco, a company that created a real-time transcription technology called Comunify that assists deaf and hard-of-hearing people during in-person group conversations. Their conversation touches on Imanyco’s participation in Verizon’s Forward for Good Accelerator.

Verizon’s Forward for Good Accelerator is part of Citizen Verizon, their business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement to help move the world forward for all. Verizon is on a mission to leave the world better than we found it by accelerating emerging solutions using 5G, MEC, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, & Extended Reality.

The current cohort’s focus is on Disability Innovation. Working with the disability community, Verizon is unlocking more than access, but advancing new technology to unlock opportunity for everyone. Verizon is working with startups who “authentically integrate people with disabilities into executive leadership roles, and have validated their solutions within the disability community” which is why Imanyco was a perfect fit for the current cohort as they work to support the deaf and hard of hearing community.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26% or 61 million Americans live with with a disability. Just to be clear, that’s 1 in 4 people. Additionally, 5.9 percent of people with a disability are deaf or have serious difficulty hearing and the percentage of people living with disabilities is higher in the south.

As a deaf person herself, Saida understands what’s it’s like to not be able to fully be a part of a group conversation. Although she reads lips and body language very well, this is only helpful when communicating with a single person. Once in a group setting you can’t pay attention to multiple people, distinguish who is saying what and when, and often miss the majority of the conversation.

Comunify aims to be the most convenient live transcription app for the deaf and hard of hearing community that quickly and reliably identifies multiple speakers in a group conversation to allow each person to be better engaged and involved when others are speaking to them.

“While working with Verizon we were able to launch a testing program for our app and collect feedback from a diverse group of people. Verizon helped us to improve our product quality in terms of functionality, accessibility, and user experience and also helped us solidify a growth strategy,” said Saida. “As a company and as an entrepreneur, receiving support from a company such as Verizon opens up new opportunities.”

Check out the full conversation here to learn more about Verizon’s Forward for Good Accelerator and Communify by Imanyco.

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12
Jun, 2022

By Nikki Cabus

Verizon Learning celebrates 10 years, $1B in contributions, and now 50 new schools

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This week, Verizon is celebrating 10 years of its award-winning education initiative focused on addressing barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers: Verizon Innovative Learning.  Since 2012, the program has worked with nonprofit partners and committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching over 1.5 million students in some of the most vulnerable populations across the country

Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and emerging technology-infused learning programs to students in under-resourced communities 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 provides free access to immersive XR educational experiences to all educators, including K-12 teachers, nationwide. A key program under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to drive the company’s commitment to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030.

To mark a decade of dedication to the education community, and to honor the resilience of teachers at the end of another challenging school year, Verizon is proud to support the first-ever TIME Innovative Teachers Project. Chosen by a team of editors at TIME, the list profiles 10 teachers who are changing the landscape of education in America through innovation.

The 10 finalists of the TIME Innovative Teachers Project have helped students with disabilities get placed in STEM careers, made unaccompanied minor immigrants feel welcome in the U.S., connected students around the world on video chat, planted micro-forests to teach ways to fight climate change, and designed video game lessons to teach anti-racism. And they have all demonstrated leadership in their schools and teaching communities.

“We understood early on that closing the digital skills gap in the U.S. must start in under-resourced schools. Verizon Innovative Learning is a strategy to help solve this issue. Our mission has never wavered and now, 10 years later, we are proud to have reached over 1.5M students. This is an important milestone, yet our work is far from over,” said Rose Stuckey Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Verizon. “We will continue expanding and evolving this initiative to ensure that deserving students have the tech tools and resources to become the next generation of innovators.”

The initiative’s signature program, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, in partnership with long-time nonprofit partner Digital Promise, equips students and teachers at select Title I schools across the country with free technology devices, internet access and innovative STEM learning programs. The program also provides schools with extensive teacher training focused on technology integration into the learning experience, support and the opportunity to engage in powerful teaching and learning strategies that leverage technology.

Just this week, Digital Promise and Verizon announced that 50 new Title 1 middle and high schools from 11 districts across the country will join the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program in the fall including schools in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. 

The continued partnership between Digital Promise and Verizon for the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program equips students and teachers at select schools with free technology devices and internet access. In addition, all Verizon Innovative Learning Schools receive access to professional learning and opportunities to collaborate with a national network of innovative, technology-driven school leaders and educators.

 

“Access to technology and the internet continues to be vitally important for students and families as we work to close the digital divide,” said Jean-Claude Brizard, president and CEO of Digital Promise. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Verizon to support schools and provide devices and access to the students who need it the most.”

The new cohort brings the program’s reach to 561 schools in 94 school districts across 37 states and Washington D.C., with 100 percent of eligible middle schools in 35 districts participating in the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program. Title I schools with a 65 percent or higher free and reduced-price lunch population are eligible for the program; however, schools in this cohort of Verizon Innovative Learning Schools are at an average of 88 percent.

Of the additional 50 selected Title 1 middle and high schools nationwide to free technology, internet access, and professional development through the Verizon Innovative Learning program, 34 will receive mobile devices (either an iPad or Chromebook) with up to a four-year 30GB 4G LTE Verizon data plan for every student and teacher. 16 schools with existing one-to-one device programs for students in place will receive hotspots with two-year 30GB 4G LTE Verizon data plans for students who lack reliable internet access at home.

Sixteen of these schools are Broward County Public Schools (12) and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (4).

  • Broward County Public Schools (Florida): Annabel C. Perry PreK-8*; Apollo Middle School^; Bair Middle School*; Driftwood Middle School*; Forest Glen Middle School*; Lauderdale Lakes Middle School^; Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy*; Parkway Middle School*; Plantation Middle School^; Pompano Beach Middle School^; Silver Lakes Middle School^; William Dandy Middle School^
  • Miami-Dade County Public Schools* (Florida): Citrus Grove Middle School; Hialeah Middle School; Homestead Middle School; John F. Kennedy Middle School
*Schools will receive mobile devices with data plans for every student and teacher.
^Schools will receive hotspots with data plans for students who lack reliable home internet access.

 

For more information, visit verizon.digitalpromise.org

 

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Pines Middle School celebrates the opening of the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab
Verizon turbo charges its 5G network with the addition of more spectrum
Verizon and Boca Raton-based Vertical Bridge forge agreement to expand Verizon’s 4G and 5G Ultra Wideband services
Verizon drives enhanced connectivity at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready opens new round of grant funding
Verizon & CoLAB support startups with new Health Equity cohort
U.S. government program ACP helps many low income households pay for broadband
Verizon’s Community Partnership Chat with Palm Beach-Based Startup Imanyco
Verizon Learning celebrates 10 years, $1B in contributions, and now 50 new schools