Florida · National Grant

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (Florida)

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools provides free technology, high-speed internet, and hands-on STEM curriculum to Title I middle schools across Florida, removing technology access barriers for underserved students.

Funding

Devices + connectivity + curriculum (value $1M+ per cohort)

Eligibility

Title I public middle schools in Florida

Grade Focus

6-8

Subject

STEM / Technology access

Deadline

Annual program cohort (check Verizon.com/about/responsibility)

Type

National Grant

Ready to apply?View Official Grant Page →

About This Grant

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools is one of the most generous technology access programs in the country, providing Title I middle schools with free tablets for every student, free high-speed internet connectivity, and a year of hands-on STEM curriculum. Florida Title I middle schools have been well-represented in program cohorts, given Florida's large population of underserved middle schoolers.

The program goes beyond hardware. Schools receive teacher training, STEM curriculum integrated with device use, and ongoing Verizon support. The goal is to eliminate the homework gap for students who lack reliable internet access at home — a significant barrier in many Florida communities, from rural agriculture towns to urban apartment complexes in Miami and Tampa.

Participation in Verizon Innovative Learning sets up schools for stronger performance on subsequent technology grants. Schools that have gone through the program often use it as a proof point — demonstrating that their students can engage effectively with technology — when applying for additional STEM funding.

View Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (Florida) →

Eligibility

U.S. public middle schools with Title I designation
Florida Title I middle schools are eligible to apply to national program cohorts
Schools must commit to program participation for the full program year
Preference for schools where students lack reliable technology access at home

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Connectivity for home devices and extended family digital literacy support

Forward Education Products for This Grant

Forward Education offers classroom-ready kits that align with Florida CS standards and fit cleanly into grant budgets. All kits include teacher guides and curriculum.

micro:bit Starter Kit — Entry-level physical computing, perfect for introducing coding and computational thinking.
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — Hands-on AI literacy curriculum covering machine learning concepts for K-12 classrooms.
Coding for Good Kit — Project-based learning kit connecting coding skills to real-world community challenges.
micro:bit Robotics Kit — Advanced robotics and engineering challenges for deeper CS exploration.

Keep in Mind

Apply as early as possible — Verizon Innovative Learning cohorts fill quickly and Florida has many Title I middle schools competing for spots.
Emphasize the homework gap: document the percentage of your students without home internet access.
Use acceptance into the program as a proof point for subsequent grants — it demonstrates your school's commitment to technology integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Verizon Innovative Learning fund high schools or elementary schools?

The program is specifically designed for middle schools (grades 6-8). It does not fund elementary or high school programs.

Does a school need to be in a Verizon service area?

No. Verizon Innovative Learning is a national program open to Title I middle schools regardless of local service provider.

What STEM curriculum is included?

Verizon partners with education organizations to provide STEM curriculum alongside devices. The specific curriculum varies by cohort year.

Can we supplement with Forward Education kits?

Yes. Verizon Innovative Learning focuses on device access and connectivity; supplemental coding kits and physical computing tools complement the program well.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Florida CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for qualifying applications. Reach out before you apply.