Three Compton Unified schools were welcomed into the program for the 2025-26 academic year, receiving Internet-connected devices for their students and teachers.
The district celebrated its expanded partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning with a kick-off event on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Kelly Elementary School, where 300 students received new iPads, according to a press release.
“Being part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Program since 2017 has been an integral part of our success at Compton Unified School District,” Michele Dawson, the district’s senior director of instructional technology, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have 15 schools involved now and have impacted more than 10,000 scholars with the program.”
The program strives to address barriers to digital inclusion, which refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to the Internet and other technology.
In partnership with Digital Promise — a global nonprofit working to expand opportunities for learning — the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program works side-by-side with campuses and districts to provide students with Internet-connected devices to enhance how teachers use technology in the classroom, according to a press release.
Being part of the program helps keep students connected, district officials said — facilitating learning wherever it’s taking place.
The three schools — Kelly Elementary, Bursch Elementary and Emerson Elementary — are now among 34 campuses joining for the 2025-26 school year, bringing the program’s impact to 660 schools nationwide, the press release said. A total of 752 devices with data plans will be provided to these Compton Unified schools as part of the program.
In addition to reliable Internet access for every student and teacher, Verizon Innovative Learning also equips each school with a technology coach and provides robust professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.
“Verizon is proud to work alongside Digital Promise to equip Compton Unified schools with the latest technology and Internet access while offering robust support to teachers,” Verizon Government Affairs Director Ursula Moran Bagley said in a statement. “By investing in the community, we hope to inspire students and empower them to map out their future careers with confidence.”
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