What:
SAISD to unveil Verizon Innovative Learning Lab
The innovative lab at Whittier Middle School is made possible by Verizon, through a partnership with Heart of America and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University
Who:
Dr. Jaime Aquino, SAISD Superintendent
Mandie Holtsford, Whittier Middle School Principal
Ryan Beck, Government Affairs, Verizon
Imagery:
Middle school students engaging with lab resources
When:
Feb. 22 (Thurs), 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where:
Whittier Middle School, 2101 Edison Drive, 78201
The new Verizon Innovative Learning Lab at Whittier Middle School gives students and teachers access to emerging technology such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI). The lab is made possible by Verizon, through a partnership with Heart of America and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University.
“The Verizon Innovative Learning Lab will change the way we learn and teach,” said Mandie Holtsford, principal at Whittier Middle School. “This is a futuristic type of learning that will elevate us to a higher level. Being exposed to virtual reality and artificial intelligence is a game changer. Our students are the real winners here. This will help students better prepare for the future.”
As part of Verizon’s commitment to digital inclusion, Verizon works with its nonprofit partners to provide free technology, free internet access and hands-on learning experiences to help students in under-resourced communities receive the education they deserve to help prepare them for today’s digital economy.
“We are excited to share in the celebration of the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab at the John Greenleaf Whittier Middle School in the San Antonio ISD," said Ryan Beck, Government Affairs, Verizon. "Given Verizon's commitment to digital inclusion, we are happy that the students will experience learning with the latest emerging technology to help prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow."
Heart of America leads the transformation of the state-of-the-art space in collaboration with the schools and district teams, and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University provides a project-based curriculum and training for the teachers.
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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 3.5 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 goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030.
Learn more at citizenverizon.com.