WASHINGTON – Howard University and Verizon Innovative Learning are currently accepting registrations for the 2021-2022 Verizon Innovative Learning Program at Howard University. The free, year-long STEM enrichment program will provide young men of color in grades six through eight with intensive courses in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The program, held virtually or in a hybrid setting, is scheduled June 28 through July 16 and continues throughout the school year. Register here to participate.

“We are excited to continue this important partnership with Verizon Foundation and Verizon Innovative Learning,” says Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D., Howard University provost and chief academic officer. “The University is invested in expanding minority participation in STEM, and this program is an excellent resource for young men of color in the Washington, D.C. area to gain exposure and develop skills.”

The program will consist of a three-week intensive learning experience in the Summer that includes courses in augmented and virtual reality, coding, 3D design, entrepreneurship and design thinking principles. Following the Summer intensive, students will participate in monthly sessions throughout the academic year, where they will develop a technology solution for a community problem that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Technology equipment will be provided for student use and learning throughout the program. Lunch, refreshments and transportation will be provided for any in-person activities.

“We must make sure that all children in our community are competitive and able to create the jobs of tomorrow,” Kmt Shockley, director of the Verizon program at Howard University and associate professor in the School of Education. “In order for our youth to be competitive and creators of new technology, we must take the necessary time to invest in their future. The VIL program at Howard is a leader in the D.C. area at preparing youth for the jobs of the future, which will largely be technology-focused. By providing classes like design thinking, we also have a space for them to ideate and become creators of new and innovative technology.”

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 1 million students.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. 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.

Media Contact: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu