Ohio · National Grant

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (Ohio)

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

Funding

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

Eligibility

Title I public middle schools in Ohio

Grade Focus

6-8

Subject

STEM / Technology access

Deadline

Annual program cohort

Type

National Grant

About This Grant

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools eliminates the technology gap for Title I middle school students by providing free tablets, connectivity, and a year of STEM curriculum. Ohio has many Title I middle schools — in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and rural Appalachian communities — that are excellent candidates for this program.

Ohio's rural-urban digital divide is pronounced. Students in Appalachian Ohio and rural northwest Ohio often lack reliable home internet, making the homework gap a serious equity issue. Verizon Innovative Learning directly addresses this barrier, ensuring students can continue technology-based learning at home, not just in the classroom.

Ohio schools that participate in Verizon Innovative Learning often leverage the experience to apply for additional STEM grants. The program's data on student technology engagement, plus the hardware already in students' hands, creates a strong foundation for follow-on grants from state and federal sources.

View Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (Ohio) →

Eligibility

U.S. public middle schools with Title I designation
Ohio Title I middle schools in any geographic region
Schools must commit to full program participation for the program year
Priority for schools where students lack reliable home internet access

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Home connectivity support and digital literacy resources for families

Forward Education Products for This Grant

Forward Education offers classroom-ready kits that align with Ohio 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

Document the homework gap explicitly — what percentage of your Ohio students lack home internet access?
Apply early; Ohio has many Title I middle schools and cohort spots fill quickly.
Use program participation as a stepping stone to Ohio DOE and NSF grants that require demonstrated technology infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the program serve high schools or elementary schools in Ohio?

No. Verizon Innovative Learning is for middle schools (grades 6-8) only.

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

No. The program is national and open to all qualifying Title I middle schools regardless of carrier.

What STEM curriculum is included?

Verizon partners with education providers for device-integrated STEM curriculum. Specific curriculum varies by cohort year.

Can Ohio schools add Forward Education kits to supplement?

Yes. The Verizon program provides devices and connectivity; coding kits and physical computing tools are natural additions for deeper CS exploration.

How can Forward Education help?

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