Part of Student Tech Team Toolkit
Adams-Young Middle School, Detroit, MI
The student tech team at Cornerstone’s Adams-Young Middle School not only serves as a junior IT department, troubleshooting computer issues for their peers and teachers, but the students also have fun building robots and creating their own Minecraft game. Listen to students and their teacher talk about it.
Jasper County Middle School, Monticello, GA
School-based IT technician Pat Lowe and Surge Squad student tech team member Chloe Parks discuss how their school empowered their student tech team members to repair devices under warranty by earning CTL Designation, and how this has enabled them to take on leadership roles for device care with their classmates.
Capital School District, Dover, DE
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach Susan Gregory and school-based IT technician Tom Stallings discuss how they have involved students in repairing devices to solve challenges they were having around device repair turnaround time and cost.
Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School, Hialeah Gardens, FL
Former Assistant Principal Maria Montero discusses why student tech teams are essential in her school, helping to manage devices, troubleshoot issues, and support teachers with technology integration. At Mater Academy, the “Genius Squad” has grown to nearly 100 students who assist with device rollouts, training, and technical support, gaining both technical and leadership skills. Their work fosters problem-solving, communication, and real-world experience, preparing them for future careers while easing the workload of school IT staff.
South Mountain Middle School
South Mountain Middle School students kicked off the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program by introducing their student tech teams and getting trained to support their peers and staff with new iPads, keyboards, and 24/7 internet access.
Crawford W. Long Middle School, Atlanta, GA
Explore how the student tech team is a win-win for Crawford W. Long Middle School by supporting tech staff while also providing students an opportunity for on-the-job training.
Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School
At Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School and Veterans Memorial School in Vineland Public Schools, the student tech team is taking the lead in promoting responsible Chromebook care through their new Prize for 5 incentive program. To earn a raffle ticket, students must meet all five “ready” criteria, and at the end of the week, five students receive a prize. Watch this video created by the Student Tech Team members to learn more.
Duquesne City School District
The benefits of student tech teams aren’t a secret—leadership opportunities, skill building, increased student voice in the school community, and more. Read in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette how the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools tech team is impacting Duquesne City School District.
William L. Sheppard Middle School, San Jose, CA
Learn how school and district staff at Sheppard Middle School empower students to become technology leaders. By participating in their tech team, students gain hands-on experience in troubleshooting and supporting digital tools, fostering both technical proficiency and leadership skills. This initiative not only enhances students’ learning experiences but also cultivates a culture of peer-to-peer support and collaboration.
El Sereno Middle School
Watch this video from the student tech team at El Sereno Middle School to see how everyday school tech challenges turn into opportunities for student leadership when learners are trusted, trained, and empowered to say, “We’ve got this.”
Utterback Middle School, Tucson, AZ
Principal Taranika Sanders discusses how preparing students for the workforce through their student tech team contributes to equitable access and sustainable systems at Utterback Middle School.
South Mountain Middle School
South Mountain Middle School students kicked off the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program by introducing their student tech teams and getting trained to support their peers and staff with new iPads, keyboards, and 24/7 internet access.
John A. Sutter Middle School, Los Angeles, CA
Hear from students and staff on how student tech team members were involved in the VILS student device rollout event. Explore the full Digital Equity case study for John A. Sutter Middle School and their work with Consistent Access to Devices and Technology here.
William L. Sheppard Middle School, San Jose, CA
Learn how school and district staff at Sheppard Middle School empower students to become technology leaders. By participating in their tech team, students gain hands-on experience in troubleshooting and supporting digital tools, fostering both technical proficiency and leadership skills. This initiative not only enhances students’ learning experiences but also cultivates a culture of peer-to-peer support and collaboration.
Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School, Hialeah Gardens, FL
The Genius Squad, Mater Academy’s student tech team, is led by Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach Mariella Vasconcelos. Being on this team empowers students to support both teachers and peers by enhancing digital learning in the classroom. They assist educators in using technology effectively and help fellow students navigate their school devices and digital applications. Through hands-on experience, Genius Squad members develop valuable IT skills, troubleshoot technical issues, and gain real-world problem-solving experience.
El Sereno Middle School
Watch this video from the student tech team at El Sereno Middle School to see how everyday school tech challenges turn into opportunities for student leadership when learners are trusted, trained, and empowered to say, “We’ve got this.”
Allentown School District
Jayden, a student tech team member at Bridgeview Academy in Allentown School District, was a panelist on the inaugural episode of ASD Superintendent Dr. Carol D. Birks’ new podcast, “Lighting the Way with Dr. Carol D. Birks,” which took a look at artificial intellegence. Read more about the benefits the student tech team has had on Bridgeview Academy tech team members in this article.
Adams-Young Middle School, Detroit, MI
At Adams-Young Middle School, students are gaining hands-on IT experience through the student tech team, where seventh and eighth graders serve as junior IT support. These students also lead extracurricular activities such as Minecraft and robotics, fostering community and teamwork. Students even took the initiative to build their own Minecraft world and organize a gaming tournament, blending technical skills with creativity and collaboration.
Bunche Middle School
Tech students at Bunche Middle School in Compton created app prototypes that address COVID-19 related issues in their community.
Jasper County Middle School, Monticello, GA
School-based IT technician Pat Lowe and Surge Squad student tech team member Chloe Parks discuss how their school empowered their student tech team members to repair devices under warranty by earning CTL Designation, and how this has enabled them to take on leadership roles for device care with their classmates.
Capital School District, Dover, DE
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach Susan Gregory and school-based IT technician Tom Stallings discuss how they have involved students in repairing devices to solve challenges they were having around device repair turnaround time and cost.
Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School, Hialeah Gardens, FL
Former Assistant Principal Maria Montero discusses why student tech teams are essential in her school, helping to manage devices, troubleshoot issues, and support teachers with technology integration. At Mater Academy, the “Genius Squad” has grown to nearly 100 students who assist with device rollouts, training, and technical support, gaining both technical and leadership skills. Their work fosters problem-solving, communication, and real-world experience, preparing them for future careers while easing the workload of school IT staff.
Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School, Hialeah Gardens, FL
Mater Academy uses an elective course-offering model for their student tech team, the Genius Squad. The course can be taken by both middle and high school students, but each has their own section with different course standards. Find out how the Genius Squad teaches their teachers how to use digital tools to enhance learning ‘Appy Hours’—student-led training sessions for teachers and students on how to use and apply apps in education.
Henry Lord Community School, Fall River, MA
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach Becky Csizmesia shares how her school’s student tech team led a Digital Citizenship Week campaign that engaged the entire school community and turned the concept of being responsible digital citizens into a part of their daily lives.
Crawford W. Long Middle School, Atlanta, GA
Explore how the student tech team is a win-win for Crawford W. Long Middle School by supporting tech staff while also providing students an opportunity for on-the-job training.
Edward Johnstone School
Last year, Dylan, a student at Edward Johnstone Middle School, struggled with making positive choices. This year, after joining the student tech team, he has become a reliable leader who has transformed his behavior, confidence, and self-perception. Read how Dylan’s journey shows how giving students meaningful roles can help them build accountability and reshape how they see themselves.
Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School
At Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School and Veterans Memorial School in Vineland Public Schools, the student tech team is taking the lead in promoting responsible Chromebook care through their new Prize for 5 incentive program. To earn a raffle ticket, students must meet all five “ready” criteria, and at the end of the week, five students receive a prize. Watch this video created by the Student Tech Team members to learn more.
Lamar Middle School, Irving, TX
Follow Lamar Middle School eighth grader Samya as she and her friends create a project for the Technology Student Association competition. Samya’s powerful learning experiences relate to her personal interests, challenge her in exciting ways, foster meaningful collaboration with her peers, and inspire deep inquiry and reflection. Through all steps of the experience, the digital learning tools she uses enhance her ability to reach her learning goals by streamlining communication and opening up creative ways to solve problems encountered in the project. Explore the full Digital Equity case study for Lamar Middle School and their work with Powerful Learning Propelled by Technology here.
John A. Sutter Middle School, Los Angeles, CA
Hear from students and staff on how student tech team members were involved in the VILS student device rollout event. Explore the full Digital Equity case study for John A. Sutter Middle School and their work with Consistent Access to Devices and Technology here.
Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes (ALBA)
At ALBA, the middle school student tech team builds confidence and tech skills. Read this article to learn more about their unique hands-on learning approach for empowering students as tech leaders in their building.
William L. Sheppard Middle School, San Jose, CA
Learn how school and district staff at Sheppard Middle School empower students to become technology leaders. By participating in their tech team, students gain hands-on experience in troubleshooting and supporting digital tools, fostering both technical proficiency and leadership skills. This initiative not only enhances students’ learning experiences but also cultivates a culture of peer-to-peer support and collaboration.
El Sereno Middle School
Watch this video from the student tech team at El Sereno Middle School to see how everyday school tech challenges turn into opportunities for student leadership when learners are trusted, trained, and empowered to say, “We’ve got this.”
Adams-Young Middle School, Detroit, MI
The student tech team at Cornerstone’s Adams-Young Middle School not only serves as a junior IT department, troubleshooting computer issues for their peers and teachers, but the students also have fun building robots and creating their own Minecraft game. Listen to students and their teacher talk about it.
Allentown School District
Jayden, a student tech team member at Bridgeview Academy in Allentown School District, was a panelist on the inaugural episode of ASD Superintendent Dr. Carol D. Birks’ new podcast, “Lighting the Way with Dr. Carol D. Birks,” which took a look at artificial intellegence. Read more about the benefits the student tech team has had on Bridgeview Academy tech team members in this article.
Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Kansas City, MO
Paseo Academy was a recipient of the 2024 Ciena Solutions Challenge Sustainability Award for their submission on empowering students through esports in education. Their esports initiative combines gaming with a purpose, promoting quality education and equitable opportunities for students with tech skills. This program highlights the value of creating a safe, supportive environment for skill-building and networking while giving back to the community.
Adams-Young Middle School, Detroit, MI
At Adams-Young Middle School, students are gaining hands-on IT experience through the student tech team, where seventh and eighth graders serve as junior IT support. These students also lead extracurricular activities such as Minecraft and robotics, fostering community and teamwork. Students even took the initiative to build their own Minecraft world and organize a gaming tournament, blending technical skills with creativity and collaboration.
Central Middle School, Kansas City, MO
The student tech team at Central Middle School is a group of 10 students who produce the The Student Tech Team Podcast, which is focused on technology and its impact on society.
Central Middle School, Kansas City, MO
Central Middle School was a recipient of the 2024 Ciena Solutions Challenge Sustainability Award for their submission on supporting a healthy school community. Their school was facing a vaping issue in restrooms and gym locker rooms, making some students uncomfortable and hesitant to speak up. To address this, the vice principal challenged students to create an anti-vaping campaign. In response, students designed posters with QR codes linking to information on vaping’s harmful effects, aiming to discourage use and raise awareness.
Bunche Middle School
Tech students at Bunche Middle School in Compton created app prototypes that address COVID-19 related issues in their community.
Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School, Hialeah Gardens, FL
Mater Academy uses an elective course-offering model for their student tech team, the Genius Squad. The course can be taken by both middle and high school students, but each has their own section with different course standards. Find out how the Genius Squad teaches their teachers how to use digital tools to enhance learning ‘Appy Hours’—student-led training sessions for teachers and students on how to use and apply apps in education
Henry Lord Community School, Fall River, MA
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach Becky Csizmesia shares how her school’s student tech team led a Digital Citizenship Week campaign that engaged the entire school community and turned the concept of being responsible digital citizens into a part of their daily lives.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cleveland, OH
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District offers paid summer internships, allowing students to gain hands-on IT experience by managing inventory and preparing devices for the upcoming school year. Additionally, they have developed a Student Tech Team Playbook to guide schools in establishing student-led technology teams. The district believes these teams empower students to take on leadership roles, collaborate with peers and faculty, and address real-world technical challenges, such as device connectivity issues and troubleshooting.
Bunche Middle School, Compton, CA
Hear from tech team students at Bunche Middle School who looked at some of the environmental problems in their community and worked together to come up with measurable solutions.
Lamar Middle School, Irving, TX
Follow Lamar Middle School eighth grader Samya as she and her friends create a project for the Technology Student Association competition. Samya’s powerful learning experiences relate to her personal interests, challenge her in exciting ways, foster meaningful collaboration with her peers, and inspire deep inquiry and reflection. Through all steps of the experience, the digital learning tools she uses enhance her ability to reach her learning goals by streamlining communication and opening up creative ways to solve problems encountered in the project. Explore the full Digital Equity case study for Lamar Middle School and their work with Powerful Learning Propelled by Technology here.
Duquesne City School District
The benefits of student tech teams aren’t a secret—leadership opportunities, skill building, increased student voice in the school community, and more. Read in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette how the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools tech team is impacting Duquesne City School District.
Bunche Middle School, Compton, CA
Verizon Innovative Learning students across America help advance United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for a cleaner planet.
Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes (ALBA)
At ALBA, the middle school student tech team builds confidence and tech skills. Read this article to learn more about their unique hands-on learning approach for empowering students as tech leaders in their building.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cleveland, OH
Explore how student tech teams contribute to equitable access and sustainable systems from Shawn Braxton, Executive Director of Learning Technology and Training Services.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Middle School, Bristol, PA
For Minu, Nycire, and Ameera—three former Tiger Techs—being members of the first Verizon Innovative Learning School student tech team ignited a passion for STEM, technology, and leadership, setting them on paths toward careers in cybersecurity, engineering, and medicine. Now in college, they continue to give back, mentoring the next generation of students and proving that access to technology and opportunity can change lives. Watch their inspiring journey and see how early exposure to STEM learning can shape the leaders of tomorrow.
