Verizon Innovative Learning Schools
Eligibility
Title I middle schools across the United States can apply during the annual application cycle. Schools must commit to implementing the VILS curriculum and participating in program evaluation. The program is competitive and schools are selected based on need and implementation readiness.
- Eligible: Title I middle schools (grades 6-8) in the U.S.
- Must commit to multi-year program implementation
- Teachers and administrators must participate in program training
- Texas has a large number of eligible Title I middle schools
Program Goals
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) is a multi-year program that provides free mobile devices, wireless connectivity, and a structured technology curriculum to Title I middle schools. The program is designed to close the digital divide by giving underserved students access to technology both in school and at home.
The VILS curriculum includes coding, digital literacy, and AI literacy content. Schools receive not just devices, but an implementation framework and ongoing support to ensure students are using technology in meaningful ways.
Application Timeline
VILS applications open on an annual cycle. Visit verizon.com/about/responsibility/innovative-learning for current application information and deadlines. Schools selected in one cycle receive multi-year support, so available spots vary by year based on how many schools are completing their program cycles.
What Schools Receive
Accepted schools receive free devices for all students, free wireless data plans for student use at home and school, access to the VILS curriculum platform, and teacher training. The multi-year commitment from Verizon provides stability for schools building sustained technology programs.
Complementary Purchases
Adding Physical Computing to a VILS School
VILS provides digital access and curriculum infrastructure. Forward Education's physical computing tools complement the VILS curriculum by adding hands-on hardware experience. Schools receiving VILS support can use other grant funds (Title I, Title IV-A, or TEA grants) to add physical computing tools.
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
A perfect hardware complement to VILS's device-based curriculum. Students work with both screens and physical hardware, building a fuller understanding of computing systems. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
Extends the AI literacy content in VILS curriculum into hands-on physical computing. Students apply what they learn about AI to real hardware projects. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Project-based environmental coding curriculum. Works well alongside VILS device-based learning as a hands-on maker component.
Keep in Mind
VILS is a 3-year program. Schools must commit to full implementation, including staff training and curriculum adoption. Make sure your principal and district leadership are aligned before applying.
VILS provides devices and connectivity, but not physical computing tools. Use Title I, Title IV-A, or TEA grants to layer in micro:bit kits and hands-on curriculum alongside your VILS program.
All teachers at a VILS school receive training and are expected to use the curriculum. Build staff buy-in before applying so implementation goes smoothly.
Texas has hundreds of Title I middle schools that qualify. If your school serves a high-poverty community, VILS is worth pursuing as a foundational technology program.
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 - TEKS, Common Core, and state 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
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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