Verizon Innovative Learning: Empowering Future STEM Achievers

Introduction

The Verizon Innovative Learning program stands as a beacon of opportunity for middle school students, particularly those in under-resourced communities. By providing access to engaging STEM education and hands-on experiences, the program ignites a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, equipping students with the skills and confidence to pursue future tech careers. This article delves into the details of the Verizon Innovative Learning summer program, highlighting its impact through the stories of past participants and its comprehensive approach to STEM enrichment.

Overview of the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program

Launched in 2015, the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and rural institutions. This strategic collaboration ensures that the program reaches a diverse range of students, providing them with equitable access to high-quality STEM education. The program's core mission is to empower middle school students to explore STEM subjects, develop problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to various career opportunities within the technology sector.

The program offers a multifaceted approach to STEM education, incorporating a three-week summer session and additional in-person workshops during the fall and spring semesters. This extended engagement allows students to delve deeper into STEM concepts and build lasting relationships with mentors and peers. All sessions are conveniently held on university campuses, providing students with an immersive and inspiring learning environment.

Summer Immersion: A Deep Dive into STEM

The heart of the Verizon Innovative Learning program lies in its intensive three-week summer immersion experience. Designed for students entering 6th through 8th grade, this program offers a dynamic blend of next-generation technology and hands-on training, all carefully aligned with real-world challenges. Participants engage in a variety of activities, including:

Design Thinking: Students learn to approach problems with a human-centered perspective, fostering creativity and innovation.
3D Printing: Participants gain practical experience in designing and creating physical objects using 3D printing technology.
Augmented Reality (AR): Students explore the world of augmented reality, learning how to create interactive and immersive experiences.
Social Entrepreneurship: Participants develop entrepreneurial skills while addressing social issues through innovative STEM-based solutions.

One of the program's key strengths is that it requires no prior knowledge or experience in STEM fields. This inclusive approach ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to discover their passion for STEM.

Read also: Check Verizon Student Eligibility

Howard University STEM Achievers Program

As an example, the Howard University STEM Achievers program runs from June 24 to July 11, with daily sessions from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The curriculum focuses on immersive media, digital product innovation, and artificial intelligence. In addition to STEM activities, the program also emphasizes cultural enrichment and movement, promoting holistic development.

Impactful Results and Testimonials

The Verizon Innovative Learning program has consistently demonstrated impressive results, with a significant positive impact on participating students. Previous data indicates that 91% of participants improved their science skills, while 90% showed increased proficiency in math. These statistics underscore the program's effectiveness in enhancing students' academic performance in STEM subjects.

However, the true measure of the program's success lies in the stories of its alumni. Former attendees of the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program frequently share how the program has shaped their academic and career paths.

Miles Davis (Howard University program attendee): "Being a part of this program really showed me how important it is to work with teams to solve real-world issues, because nobody can do it alone."
Cerenity Brant (South Arkansas Community College program attendee): "When I did the program, I was like, 'Wow! Science is important. I do need to learn this.' I finished my eighth-grade year barely passing science. I didn’t feel confident, so I’d forget it. But after this program, I wanted to learn all the STEM stuff. Now, I earn As and Bs across the board.”
Grace Lester (Big Sandy Community and Technical College program attendee): “The Verizon Innovative Learning program prepared me for where I am now by introducing and developing skills such as time management and problem-solving - both essential for success in STEM and beyond. I would tell students interested in participating that it is extremely beneficial, as it introduces topics and skills that they will not be exposed to otherwise.”
Tyson Hammond (Morgan State University program attendee, studying environmental engineering at Kennesaw State University): “Before I attended the camp, I was never introduced to the world of engineering and what it could do for me and more importantly the future. Eventually I plan on becoming an environmentalist, something along the lines of a consultant, geologist, or water treatment.”
Zion Braddy (Central State University program attendee): “My mentor taught me how not to be scared of making mistakes. That’s something I still carry with me today.”
Danielle Amos (Patrick Henry Community College program attendee, double-majoring in biology and anthropology at the University of Virginia): “One big thing I remember from the [program] was that every morning there would be a new, accomplished woman to talk to us and tell us what her career journey had been like and the obstacles she has had to face. I have always remembered the impact that [guest speakers] had on me. Having those role models really solidified to me that I can have a career in STEM, and gave me the confidence to go to college, since I am a first-generation student, to accomplish those goals.”
Mekhi Burgess (Clark Atlanta University program attendee): “It was a very life-changing experience. I got to learn a lot of stuff I never learned before in my life that still helps me to this day. We got to learn how to code, how to do CAD, 3D printing. My mentor from the Verizon [program] was Maxwell. I could relate to him. I really like football, and him playing football in college while being an engineering major made me think I can also do the same thing.”
Ricky Richardson (North Carolina A&T State University program attendee, pursuing an automotive engineering technology degree): “The program opened my understanding of technology, but also had a significant impact on my social development. When I first arrived, I was quite reserved, but the experience helped me out of my shell a bit and to explore my chosen career path more deeply.”
Ravion Newsome (Air Force Academy attendee): “Before the program, I definitely didn’t know about other career possibilities in STEM."
Destiny Johnson (Patrick Henry Community College program attendee, attending the University of Virginia and majoring in neuroscience): “I feel as if Verizon Innovative Learning had a great impact on my life and that it opened up the doors to STEM for me. I joined the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in seventh grade after doing the program in sixth and seventh grade and I am now President of the Martinsville-Henry County chapter and I actually just spoke at NSBE’s Golden Torch Awards ceremony after winning NSBE’s Pre-Collegiate Female Student of the Year Award!”
Chloe Taylor (Patrick Henry Community College program attendee, studying biomedical engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University): “Being exposed to engineering through extracurriculars like the Verizon Innovative Learning summer program helped me find a passion for engineering. Through these programs, I was introduced to the idea of combining both engineering and medicine in Biomedical Engineering (BME), and I have been on that journey ever since."

These testimonials highlight the diverse ways in which the Verizon Innovative Learning program has positively impacted students' lives, fostering their interest in STEM, building their confidence, and preparing them for future success.

Addressing the Digital Divide in Rural Communities

The Verizon Innovative Learning program recognizes the importance of bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural communities. In places like Prestonsburg, Kentucky, where resources may be limited, the program provides access to advanced technology and high-quality STEM education that might otherwise be unavailable.

Read also: Opportunities at Verizon

Leslie Heinze, an art and technology instructor in Prestonsburg, emphasizes that the program "bridges the digital and economic divide" and "is also subtly changing the narrative for women growing up in a former coal town, and introducing them to new careers, like engineering." By empowering students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century, the program helps to level the playing field and create opportunities for all.

Fostering Collaboration and Confidence

Beyond its focus on STEM skills, the Verizon Innovative Learning program also emphasizes the development of essential soft skills, such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. The program creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and working together to solve problems.

As seventh grader Abby “AJ” Justice notes, "At school, the answers are either right or wrong. It’s different at Verizon Innovative Learning. We’re asked to think about the why and the how of things," emphasizing that this approach has helped her become a better problem solver.

Similarly, fifth grader Layla Vannoy shares that the program has helped her become more outgoing and confident: "Sidney taught me how to be outgoing and introduce myself to people. Now I don’t feel as alone as I used to. I’m more open to people. I take chances and I’m willing to learn new stuff."

Uplifting Each Other: A Supportive Community

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Verizon Innovative Learning program is the strong sense of community that it fosters among participants. Students from diverse backgrounds come together to support and uplift each other, creating a positive and encouraging learning environment.

Read also: Software Engineering at Verizon

Addison Webb, a seventh grader who admits to struggling with anxiety, explains that her friends from the program have helped her focus on her studies and improve her grades. "Before this camp, I wouldn't have been able to talk to you. If you were trying to talk to me last year, I would’ve had [AJ] speak for me," she says, highlighting the transformative impact of the program on her self-confidence.

How to Apply

To be eligible for the Howard University program, students must be residents of D.C., Maryland, or Virginia and entering 6th-8th grade.

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