Illinois · National Grant

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools

Funding

Free devices + curriculum (~$1M+ value/school)

Grade Focus

Grades 6–8 (Title I)

Application Due

Annual application cycle; check verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/verizon-innovative-learning for current cycle

Level of Gov't

Private – Corporate (National)

Eligibility

Illinois K-12 schools and educators. Free devices, connectivity, and STEM/coding curriculum for Title I middle schools. Multi-year support including AI literacy and tech career pathways.

Program Goals

Free devices, connectivity, and STEM/coding curriculum for Title I middle schools. Multi-year support including AI literacy and tech career pathways.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Visit the program website for current application guidelines and deadlines. Annual application cycle; check verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/verizon-innovative-learning for current cycle.

Cycle Notes

Recurring. Check the program website for current cycle information.

Grant Award Amount

Free devices + curriculum (~$1M+ value/school). Check the program website for current award amounts and eligibility details.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Illinois schools apply for Verizon Innovative Learning Schools?

Yes. Illinois schools are eligible. Free devices, connectivity, and STEM/coding curriculum for Title I middle schools. Multi-year support including AI literacy and tech career pathways.

How much does Verizon Innovative Learning Schools provide?

Free devices + curriculum (~$1M+ value/school). Check the program website for current amounts.

How do Illinois schools apply?

Visit the program website for current application guidelines. Deadline: Annual application cycle; check verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/verizon-innovative-learning for current cycle.

What can the funds purchase?

Programs aligned to Coding, AI Literacy, STEM, Physical Computing. STEM kits, coding tools, and curriculum are typically eligible.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide curriculum alignment to Illinois CS and STEM standards, pricing letters, and letters of support for grant applications.

Grant Support

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 — Illinois 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

Talk to Our Team

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