These DC-area middle schools are getting a tech upgrade from Verizon

Three middle schools in Montgomery County, Md., and five of D.C.’s Friendship Public Charter Schools are joining Verizon‘s Innovative Learning Program, bringing 24/7 internet access, tablets and tech coaches to their campuses for the 2019-2020 school year.

The education initiative of the Verizon Foundation launched in 2012 in partnership with Digital Promise, a nonprofit created by Congress to accelerate innovative learning tactics. Every student and teacher at these select middle schools will be equipped with a device and up to a four-year data plan, a press release states. Schools will also receive extensive teacher training and support.

The Montgomery County middle schools include Argyle Middle School, Forest Oak Middle School and Neelsville Middle School.

“Montgomery County middle school teachers are looking forward to using this new Verizon technology to enhance learning opportunities in the classroom,” MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith said in a statement. “We are thrilled about this partnership and the long-lasting impact it will have on our school district.”

The participating Friendship Public Charter Schools include Armstrong Middle School, Blow Pierce Middle School, Chamberlain Middle School, Southeast Middle School, and Woodridge Middle School.

“Across Friendship, we merge technology with academic instruction – whether it’s one-to-one laptops for scholars, campus makerspaces or robotics clubs and competitions. Our partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning will deepen this commitment, and bring new technologies and learning opportunities to our classrooms,” Patricia A. Brantley, CEO of Friendship Public Charter School, said in a statement. “We are thrilled about this important initiative and the long-lasting impact it will have on the Friendship community. We believe it will be a game-changer.”

These eight D.C.-area schools are among the 50 new schools joining the Verizon Innovative Learning Program this year, joining a network of 150 middle schools in the program nationwide. Verizon said the schools will be assigned a full-time tech coach from Digital Promise to conduct trainings and help integrate the new tech into daily lessons. Throughout the duration of the program, students will also get the opportunity to learn about virtual reality, artificial intelligence, 3D design and internet of things.