Whitehall City School District Joins Verizon Innovative Learning, Bringing Internet Access, Devices, and Technology Coaches to Local Schools
In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning will welcome two schools in Whitehall City School District for the 2024-25 school year
WHITEHALL, Ohio – Today, Whitehall City School District joins Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to provide free technology devices, access to the internet, and innovative STEM learning programs, giving students in under-resourced schools the technology, education, and opportunity they deserve. Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning wherever it’s taking place.
In addition to reliable access for every student and teacher, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools also equips each school with a technology coach and provides robust professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.
Rosemore Middle School and Whitehall-Yearling High School are among the 34 new schools joining the 11th cohort of Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, bringing the program to 626 middle and high schools nationwide.
In addition to free Chromebooks with accompanying Verizon data plans for every student and teacher beginning in fall 2024, participating schools will be assigned a full-time coach to train teachers in effectively integrating technology into their lessons.
"When we first joined Digital Promise, I had a chance to see the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program firsthand in California, I knew right away that this was a program that I wanted to bring to the staff and students in Whitehall. I am so excited and grateful to Verizon for having the vision to address the digital divide in communities like ours and I'm overjoyed that our middle and high schools will be a part of Cohort 11. The resources, professional development, and coaching are going to be a great addition to our academic program and will allow us to continue to take our district to new heights!" - Dr. Sharee Wells, Superintendent Whitehall City Schools
“Our high school is beyond excited to receive this incredible opportunity. Technology integration has been an area that we desire to greatly improve upon. Through our partnership with Verizon and Digital Promise, we will be able to better equip our students with the skills needed for post-secondary education and/or the workforce. The resources that will be able to obtain through coaching, 24-7 access to connectivity, and enhanced devices will provide us with a competitive advantage that we would not otherwise have.” - Dr Maria Boyarko, Whitehall Yearling High School Principal
“Each and every day, I ask my students to dream big so they can achieve big in school and in life! This program is an opportunity of a lifetime for our Rams! With the teacher coaching, professional development opportunities, technology provided to staff and students, and innovative learning experiences our students will have additional support to ensure that they are competitive with their peers; not only in Whitehall but also across the globe. I truly appreciate the forging of an awesome partnership with Whitehall City Schools, Verizon, and Digital Promise. We are DREAMING BIG!” - Dr. Rochelle Rankin, Rosemore Middle School
“So many students across the nation lack the access to technology and resources they need to be successful in today’s digital world," said Krista Bistline, Director at Verizon. “On behalf of Verizon, we are excited to help enable students in Whitehall City Schools to develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities for a more promising future."
Verizon Innovative Learning is driving academic improvements.* In fact, 82 percent of teachers reported that Verizon Innovative Learning enhanced their ability to differentiate instruction and 77 percent said the program enhanced student engagement.*
These efforts to support digital inclusion are part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon’s responsible business plan to move the world forward for all. Learn more about the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program and how to apply at verizon.digitalpromise.org.
Whitehall City Schools will have an official announcement event on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Whitehall Yearling High School Library. All media and community members are welcome to attend.
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**Source: Westat (2022): Verizon Innovative Learning Teacher Survey June 2022
About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, is celebrating over a decade of commitment to addressing barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers. Since 2012, the program has committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching over 7 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and emerging technology-infused learning programs to students in under-resourced communities—enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build an innovative workforce of the future. In 2021, Verizon launched Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a next-gen online education portal that provides free access to immersive extended reality (XR) educational experiences to all educators, including K–12 teachers, nationwide. A key program under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to drive the company’s commitment to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at citizenverizon.com.