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Join Verizon Innovative Learning Schools
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools goes beyond devices. It helps participating schools and districts spark a teaching and learning transformation.
We provide students with devices and always available access. Teachers receive robust professional development and coaching to cultivate powerful learning that extends beyond the classroom. And education leaders benefit from the infrastructure, expert guidance, and learning community to design and implement sustainable approaches to digital equity.
Ready to supercharge your digital equity work?
Applications are now closed. Submit your interest for future cohorts below.
How It Works
We collaborate with school districts across the country to provide devices, data plans, and training to support transformative teaching and limitless learning. Learn more.
Who can apply for Verizon Innovative Learning Schools?
We are always looking to partner with new districts where Verizon Innovative Learning Schools can support digital equity and learning. Interested public school districts or public charter networks in the U.S. with at least two qualifying schools may apply.
To qualify, schools must:
- Serve middle and/or high school students
- Have a free and reduced price lunch participation rate of 65%+ or participate in the Community Eligibility Provision
Why join Verizon Innovative Learning Schools?
To become tomorrow’s innovators, students need powerful, technology-infused learning experiences. We can help augment the hard work schools and districts are doing to support more equitable and effective uses of technology that lead to transformative teaching and learning in classrooms.
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools IT Supports
Hotspots or SIM cards
To leverage with current LTE-enabled devices in your district
30GB monthly data plans
All technology is equipped with 30GB monthly data plans
Funding to support a full-time IT technician
($5K-$8.5K depending on school size) and implementation support on device protection plans
Ongoing support
From experienced Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Leaders
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Professional Learning Supports
School and district leadership learning pathways
To support effective systems and practices that positively impact student learning
Funding to support a full-time, school-based instructional coach each year
Comprehensive, ongoing professional learning experiences
For all faculty
Regular opportunities to collaborate
Learn with and from existing school and district leaders in more than 600 Verizon Innovative Learning Schools across the U.S.
Ongoing support
From experienced Verizon Innovative Learning Schools leaders
Our Impact
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools supports 592 schools, 104 districts, and 552,885 students, and we continue to grow.
- 82% of teachers said the program helped them explore new ways of teaching.
- 78% of teachers said the program enhanced their ability to differentiate instruction.
- 77% of teachers said the program enhanced student engagement.
- 70% of teachers said the program helped them reach goals they set for their teaching.
Spark opportunity and innovation!
Together we can provide students with the technology and skills needed to experience powerful learning and succeed in a digital world.
Program Requirements
Key Roles and Responsibilities
It’s important to have dedicated staff to help support Verizon Innovative Learning Schools. Learn more about the key roles and responsibilities at the district and school levels.
Research
To help us refine our program and understand our impact, all participating districts will be asked to engage in research. Learn more about our research requirements.
Memorandum of Understanding
All selected districts and schools must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Digital Promise by late March 2026.
Note: This timeline is an estimate of the process for a typical district. Some dates may change depending on the applicant pool and special circumstances. Reach out to Sara Meierding at smeierding@digitalpromise.org if you have questions about the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions regarding your district’s eligibility, email vils@digitalpromise.org.