2025-26 Verizon Innovative Learning Schools End-of-Year Award Winners – Digital Promise

2025-26 Verizon Innovative Learning Schools End-of-Year Award Winners

2025 VILS End-of-Year Awards

June 26, 2026 | By

Key Ideas

  • Student Tech Teams are evolving from device support to learner leadership and innovation, offering students’ hands-on, real-world learning opportunities.
  • Educators can shift student technology programs away from passive, routine device troubleshooting and transform them into powerful, active platforms that foster student agency, design, and leadership.
  • By embedding structured micro-credentials—such as digital badges and certificates aligned with state and national standards—early in middle school, districts can build scalable pathways that connect classroom learning directly to future career opportunities.
Every day across the country, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools network is bursting with creativity, passion, and breakthroughs. At the end of this busy school year, we’re hitting pause to shine a massive spotlight on our annual award winners. From individual visionaries to entire districts, these champions have gone all-in to build vibrant, future-ready learning cultures.

Get ready to meet the leaders shaping the future of education!

2025 VILS End-of-Year Awards_ Leadership for Digital Transformation Award

The Leadership for Digital Transformation Award honors visionary leaders who drive systemic digital transformation by establishing a clear, future-focused vision for technology integration.

  • Norwalk Public Schools (Virginia)
  • Melissa Zirkel, Lincoln Middle School, Kansas City Public Schools (Missouri)
  • Orange Public Schools (New Jersey)

On-the-Ground Example

Norwalk’s dedication to digital equity is meaningfully impacting NPS students. District leaders have aligned initiatives and shared cohort-driven insights at conferences to drive school-level change. By leveraging 1:1 devices and AI, Norwalk educators ensure equitable access and enhanced instructional outcomes through purposeful technology use.

2025 VILS End-of-Year Awards_ Coherent Systems & Sustainable Innovation Award

The Coherent Systems & Sustainable Innovation Award recognizes schools or districts that build aligned, sustainable systems to support impactful technology integration.

  • Sarah E. Goode, STEM Academy, Chicago Public Schools (Illinois)
  • Whitehall City School District (Ohio)
  • Bastrop Independent School District (Texas)

On-the-Ground Example

Bastrop ISD excels at building sustainable systems for student learning. By prioritizing continuous improvement and student voice, they have moved beyond isolated initiatives. Their culture of collaboration and shared ownership makes innovation a natural, integrated part of how their community grows together.

2025 VILS End-of-Year Awards_ Social Graphic Templates (5)

The Consistent Access to Device and Connectivity Award celebrates leaders and communities who ensure consistent, equitable access to devices, connectivity, and digital tools for all learners.

  • Middlesboro Middle School, Middlesboro ISD (Kentucky)
  • Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes (ALBA), Milwaukee Public Schools (Wisconsin)
  • Napa County Office of Education (California)

On-the-Ground Example

Camille Creek Community School in Napa, California champions the belief that all students deserve high-quality learning, regardless of their circumstances. Their commitment to equitable access transforms technology into a pathway for engagement, creativity, and future readiness. By meeting students where they are through intentional planning and innovative digital resources, the school fosters consistent opportunities for growth. Ultimately, Camille Creek empowers students to build confidence, explore interests, and envision new future possibilities.

2025 VILS End-of-Year Awards_ Digital Competency & Responsible Innovation Award

The Digital Competency & Responsible Innovation Award honors educators and organizations that empower learners, staff, and communities with the skills, mindsets, and ethical foundations needed in a digital world.

  • Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School, Vineland Public Schools (New Jersey)
  • Frontier Schools (Missouri)
  • Albuquerque School of Excellence (New Mexico)

On-the-Ground Example

Albuquerque School of Excellence integrates technology with innovation and intention. Instead of merely adopting tools, the school empowers educators to use technology purposefully to enhance teaching and learning. Through professional development and exploration of tools like AI, teachers help students think critically and find their voices. By fostering curiosity and responsible use, the school prepares both staff and students to navigate the digital world with confidence.

2025 VILS End-of-Year Awards_ Powerful Learning Propelled By Technology Award

The Powerful Learning Propelled By Technology Award recognizes transformative learning experiences that leverage technology to deepen engagement, personalize learning, and connect to real-world applications.

  • Highland Middle School, Jefferson County Public Schools (Kentucky)
  • Hudson City Public Schools (New York)
  • Leonard V. Moore Middle School, Roselle Public Schools (New Jersey)
  • Bridgeview Academy, Allentown School District (Pennsylvania)

On-the-Ground Example

Ultimately, Powerful Learning is when students experience agency, purpose, curiosity, and connection, and at Highland Middle School—preparing to transition into alumni status as a Verizon Innovative Learning School—this is evident across classrooms and consistently championed by both the instructional coach and school leadership.

Learn more about the benefits of a Powerful Learning approach!
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