Verizon Innovative Learning Schools
Verizon's national program providing free devices, connectivity, and digital skills curriculum to middle schools in underserved communities.
About This Grant
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools provides free tablets or laptops, internet connectivity, and digital skills curriculum to Title I middle schools across the United States. The program also includes teacher professional development and ongoing support. New York middle schools in underserved communities are eligible and have participated in previous cohorts.
This is not a traditional grant - schools apply to join a cohort and receive a complete program package at no cost. The curriculum focuses on digital skills, coding, and technology, and schools receive devices for all enrolled students. This makes it one of the highest-value programs available for middle schools with limited technology access.
View Verizon Innovative Learning SchoolsEligibility
- Title I public middle schools (grades 6-8)
- Schools in underserved communities with documented technology access gaps
- Schools able to commit to the full program implementation
- Principal and school leadership commitment required
What Schools Receive
- Free devices (tablets or laptops) for all students
- Wireless connectivity for students who need it
- Digital skills and coding curriculum (STEM courses)
- Teacher professional development and ongoing coaching
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy curriculum that complements Verizon's digital skills focus. Schools with Verizon devices can build physical computing and AI literacy alongside the core Verizon curriculum.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — Physical computing that extends beyond screen-based digital skills. A great complement to Verizon's device-based program with hands-on hardware.
- Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum that builds on the digital skills foundation Verizon establishes. Connects coding to real community problems.
Keep in Mind
Verizon requires schools to implement the full program including curriculum and teacher development. This is a commitment, not just free hardware.
Only Title I middle schools qualify. Verify your school's Title I status before applying.
Verizon selects a fixed number of schools per cohort. Competition is real - demonstrate clear technology access gaps and school readiness in your application.
Verizon wants to see school leadership commitment to the program. Principal involvement in the application strengthens your chance of selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools qualify for Verizon Innovative Learning?
Title I public middle schools in underserved communities with documented technology access gaps.
What does the school receive?
Free devices for all students, wireless connectivity for those who need it, a digital skills and coding curriculum, and teacher professional development.
Is there a cost to the school?
No direct cost. Schools must commit staff time for training and full program implementation.
When do applications open?
Cohort applications typically open annually. Check vzinnovativelearning.com for current cohort timelines.
How can Forward Education help?
We can help Verizon program schools complement their device-based digital skills curriculum with physical computing and AI literacy tools, and provide pricing letters for supplemental grant applications.
Related New York Grants
Explore more New York funding resources
View all New York AI & CS grants →Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — NY CS & Digital Fluency Standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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