An exciting new opportunity will bring important digital learning resources to Bobcat students this school year. The Marshalltown CSD is one of only 30 districts nationwide, and one of only two in Iowa, to be selected to join the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program this spring.
In partnership with the nonprofit Digital Promise, the program will provide free hotspots over the next two years to students in grades 5-12 who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches and do not have high-quality internet access at home.
“We are so proud to join Verizon Innovative Learning,” said Marshalltown Community School District Director of Technology Amy Harmsen. “We are excited to bring more opportunities for internet access and classroom tech integration to Bobcat students.”
In addition to free access, the program will provide training and classroom technology integration support for school staff. Staff will be able to work with an instructional liaison to help grow student learning opportunities through technology.
“This is a great opportunity for the Marshalltown Community School District,” said Senator Jeff Edler. “I was very pleased to learn that our Marshalltown district was one of only 30 districts in the United States to be selected for this program. It will certainly benefit those students eligible to participate.”
Verizon Innovative Learning addresses barriers to digital inclusion and is a key initiative under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. This new partnership will build upon the District’s efforts to provide equitable digital learning opportunities to Bobcat students.
About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s education initiative targeting Title 1 schools in partnership with Digital Promise, addresses barriers to digital inclusion. It’s a key program under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. The program provides free 1:1 devices, free internet access and a technology-driven curriculum with the goal to transform the learning experience. Through exposure to cutting-edge technology, the program enables students to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to build an innovative workforce of the future. Since 2012, Verizon Innovative Learning has committed a total of $535 million in STEM education efforts in support of digital inclusion. In 2019, Verizon launched its first 5G-enabled Verizon Innovative Learning classroom, with the goal of 100 in the coming years. The company is committed to providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.
