WASHINGTON (April 8, 2019) – For a second consecutive year, Howard University joins Verizon Innovative Learning, the education initiative of the Verizon Foundation, to offer minority male middle school students across Washington, D.C., summer intensive courses in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Registration is now open for the three-week, tuition-free program, which runs June 24-July 12 at the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics & Science.The program is available for local minority males in grades six through eight. In support of underrepresented populations in STEM fields, the Verizon Foundation, through its education initiative Verizon Innovation Learning, works with middle school minority males at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) across the country to teach next-gen tech skills and entrepreneurship. 

“We are pleased to continue to partner with Verizon Foundation and Verizon Innovative Learning in this project, which supports STEM participation by male minority students,” says Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D., Howard University provost and chief academic officer.“This collaboration highlights our commitment to partner with institutions that share our core values of excellence, leadership, truth and service.”

Through intensive courses, the students will receive entrepreneurship training, hands-on learning experiences in next-gen technologies like robotics, augmented reality, and 3D printing, and access to college-aged mentors. Following the summer courses, students will be invited to monthly after-school activities through the host campus, including local and virtual field trips and ongoing mentorship from adult male mentors working in STEM fields.

“The Howard University Verizon Innovative Learning program focuses on equipping the next generation of STEM professionals with both the critical and practical skills to lead innovation efforts in the 21st century and beyond,” says Kmt Shockley, director of the Verizon program at Howard University and associate professor in the School of Education.“Many of the parents of students in the program have shared that their children have developed a stronger intellectual, cultural and ethical understanding of their personal civic and community responsibilities as future leaders. We are excited to welcome the next group of Verizon Innovative Learning families.”

Launched in 2015, the Verizon Innovative Learning program works with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions to prepare minority male students in middle school for the tech careers of the future.  Verizon Innovative Learning gives free technology, free access and innovative curricula to under-resourced students impacted by the digital divide to help them realize a brighter future. To date, Verizon has invested $200 million in this initiative and has reached more than one million students.

Classes begin at 9 a.m., lasting until 3:30 p.m. Lunch, refreshments and transportation to/from the college will be provided to the campers at no-cost. Technology equipment will be provided for student usage and learning throughout the program. To register, please contact Dr. Kmt Shockley at VerizonHU@Howard.edu. For more information on the program, visit www.VerizonInnovativeLearning.com.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

About Verizon Innovative Learning

Verizon Innovative Learning, the education initiative of the Verizon Foundation, brings technology and hands-on learning opportunities to middle and high school students in underserved schools and communities. We not only fund the programs, but we also create and administer them in partnership with leading nonprofits. We diligently measure the impact of our work and refine our programs to ensure we’re making a difference. We’ve reached more than 1 million students so far – and we’re just getting started. For more information about Verizon’s philanthropic work, visit www.verizon.com/about/responsibility; or for regular updates, visit Facebook (www.facebook.com/verizonfoundation) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/VZFoundation).

Media contact: Ramzey Smith, Office of University Communications, Ramzey.smith@howard.edu