Verizon and PLTW: Expanding Access to CS Curriculum and Skills

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Empowering Students to Adapt and Thrive

Verizon Innovative Learning and PLTW partnered in 2014 to ensure that students have access to the computer science curriculum and skills they need to succeed in our rapidly advancing, technology-based economy.

Since 2014, Verizon has provided technology tools and grants that have empowered teachers to deliver computer science curriculum in more than 325 middle schools across 36 states. The schools range in location from New York to Hawaii, and from rural schools to those in our country’s largest urban districts, including Chicago Public Schools, Miami Dade, and Clark County (Las Vegas) Public Schools. The one thing the schools all have in common is a large number of underserved students: The average free- and reduced-priced lunch eligible population of the schools is 85 percent.

Through this partnership, more than 54,000 students have had the opportunity to develop in-demand computer science knowledge and skills that will serve them on any future educational and career paths they take.

We partnered with PLTW to create opportunities necessary to increase the numbers of women and minorities pursuing STEM degrees, because if we lack diversity among our STEM workers, we’re not just missing out on the numbers of people we need. We’re missing out on their unique vision, their ideas for innovation, and their solutions for the problems that only they know about.

- Justina Nixon-Saintil, director of education Verizon Foundation

Project Lead The Way has opened so many new windows and so many new experiences for me. I can’t wait to see where it takes me, and I hope it can change other people’s lives just as it changed mine.

- Anna, PLTW Gateway student Mary R. Stauffer Middle School, recipient of Verizon grant

I feel empowered. And I feel that my students sense that, and they feel empowered.

- Angelica Gunderson, PLTW Gateway Teacher Los Alisos Middle School, recipient of Verizon grant

Making a Difference, Together

Learn more about how Verizon is providing invaluable experiences and opportunities for PLTW students and teachers.

Students Design, Create Apps

<p>Students Design, Create Apps</p>

PLTW Summit 2016 | Mary R. Stauffer Middle School

<p>PLTW Summit 2016 | Mary R. Stauffer Middle School</p>

PLTW Summit 2016 | Partner of the Year

<p>PLTW Summit 2016 | Partner of the Year</p>

Immersing Students in Interactive Learning

Verizon’s support for CS learning isn’t confined to the classroom.

In partnership with PLTW, Verizon has created a brand-new kind of learning experience for students and their families right in their local Verizon store.

Verizon Innovative Learning Labs give students the opportunity to practice skills like coding and explore cool technologies such as virtual reality, robotics, and 3-D printing. These fun, free lab sessions each last 50 minutes and can accommodate up to eight students.

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Providing Teachers With STEM Resources

In partnership with PLTW, Verizon Innovative Learning has launched the Educator Portal, which provides teachers with access to fun, free, interactive STEM activities that expose kids to new skills like virtual reality, augmented reality, 3-D design, music mixing, and more.

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