33 Schools Nationwide Join Verizon Innovative Learning

April 23, 2026 | Washington, D.C. – Digital Promise and Verizon today announced 33 Title 1 middle and high schools from 13 districts across the country will join the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program in the fall. Through the continued partnership between Digital Promise and Verizon, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to create sustainable digital access and powerful learning throughout the districts. They do this by putting internet-connected devices into the hands of students and enhancing how teachers use technology in the classroom through dedicated coaches, professional development, and community building.

“As technology continues to evolve, it is more important than ever that we equip students and teachers with digital competencies through meaningful instruction using technology,” said Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer at Verizon. “We are thankful to continue our partnership with Digital Promise to welcome the 33 additional schools to the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, and enable new ways of learning.”

The addition of these 33 schools expands the program’s reach to 693 schools in 126 districts across the country. Each participating school is a Title 1 institution meaning that at least 65% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch are eligible for the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program; notably, 87% of students in the new cohort meet this criteria.

Participating schools receive free mobile devices (either tablets or laptops) with a four-year Verizon data plan for every student and teacher. Teachers gain access to extensive professional development that supports powerful teaching and learning with technology in and out of the classroom. In addition, these schools receive a subsidy toward a full-time technology coach to support teachers with effectively integrating technology into learning.

“The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program has always been about more than devices; it is built on the understanding that technology is only as effective as the instructional model it supports,” said Jean-Claude Brizard, president and CEO of Digital Promise. “By focusing on the interaction between teachers, students, and the instructional core, we are applying what we’ve learned through our partnership to fuel powerful learning in every classroom and prepare students for the future.”

As part of Verizon’s commitment to digital inclusion under the company’s responsible business plan, Verizon Innovative Learning is driving academic improvements. Eighty-five percent of teachers said the program enhanced their ability to differentiate instruction, and 84% said the program makes learning fun for students.

The 33 new Verizon Innovative Learning Schools comprising the program’s 13th cohort are:

• Allentown School District (PA): Louis E. Dieruff High School; William Allen High School
• Bastrop Independent School District (TX): Creekside Middle School; Riverside Middle School
• Billings Public Schools (MT): Billings Senior High School; Riverside Middle School
• California Area School District (PA): California Area Elementary School; California Area High School
• Chicago Public Schools (IL): Charles W. Earle Elementary School; Martha Ruggles Elementary School; West Park STEAM Academy
• Hinds County School District (MS): Bolton-Edwards Elementary Middle School; Byram Middle School; Raymond Elementary/Carver Middle School; Utica Elementary Middle School
• LEAP Academy University Charter School (NJ): STEAM High School; STEM Intermediate School
• Orange Public Schools (NJ): Forest Street Community School; Heywood Avenue Elementary School; Lincoln Avenue Elementary School; Park Avenue Elementary School; STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges
• Penn Hills School District (PA): Linton Middle School; Penn Hills High School
• Santa Rita Union School District (CA): Gavilan View Middle School; John Gutierrez Middle School
• Vineland Public Schools (NJ): Vineland High School: Tanner Building & South Building
• Yonkers Public Schools (NY): Robert C. Dodson School; Yonkers Middle School; Yonkers Montessori Academy; Yonkers Public School 5
• Ypsilanti Community Schools (MI): Ypsilanti Achieving College & Career Education High School (A.C.C.E.); Ypsilanti Community High School

For more information, visit the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools website.

Press Contact:
My Nguyen, Chief Communications Officer
Digital Promise
mnguyen@digitalpromise.org