In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes two schools in the
Allentown School District for the 2026-27 school year
WHAT: On September 16, 20026, the Allentown School District will celebrate joining Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion, with a kickoff event at Dieruff High School, where students will receive their own devices. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to provide students with internet-connected devices and to enhance how teachers use technology in the classroom, with an ultimate goal of sustainable digital access throughout the school district. Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning wherever it’s taking place.
"At Verizon, we all know how critical access to technology and skills development is in today’s digital world,” said Mario Acosta-Velez, Region Senior Director, Verizon Local Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility. "We are proud to bring Verizon Innovative Learning Schools to Allentown School District and enable students to develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities to be successful and become the next generation of STEM leaders.”
In addition to reliable access for every student and teacher, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools also equips each school with a technology coach and provides robust professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers in the program have reported that the initiative allows for more individualized instruction, helps them explore new ways of teaching, and elevates student engagement.
A total of 4,800 devices with data plans will be provided to these Allentown schools as part of the program. The market value of Verizon Innovative Learning’s investment is, on average, over $2.3 million per school.
William Allen High School and Dieruff High School are among 33 schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 2026-27 school year, bringing the program’s impact to 693 schools nationwide. During the 2025-2026 school year, Allentown piloted this program in all four middle schools and at Bridgeview Academy, meaning that all Allentown secondary schools are now designated Verizon Innovative Learning Schools.
“The expansion of Verizon Innovative Learning to our high schools is a pivotal milestone in advancing the Allentown School District Strategic Plan, particularly our commitment to cultivating modern learning environments and providing high-quality instruction,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer. “We have already seen the transformative power of this partnership within our middle schools this past year, where the integration of dedicated technology coaches and 1:1 devices has significantly increased student engagement and leveled the playing field for our younger learners. By scaling this success to William Allen and Dieruff, we are ensuring that every student has the tools and the digital fluency necessary to excel in a competitive, tech-driven world.”
“The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program has always been about more than devices; it is built on the understanding that technology is only as effective as the instructional model it supports,” said Jean-Claude Brizard, president and CEO of Digital Promise. “By focusing on the interaction between teachers, students, and the instructional core, we are applying what we’ve learned through our partnership to fuel powerful learning in every classroom and prepare students for the future.”
Wednesday’s kickoff event at Dieruff High School will feature local students receiving their own devices, as well as remarks and demonstrations from administrators and program leaders on how the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program can support academic achievement and lifelong success.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dieruff High School
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About Digital Promise
Digital Promise is a global, nonpartisan nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. We work with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale innovations that support learners, especially those who’ve been historically and systematically excluded. Our vision is that every person engages in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website.
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 over $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching over 9 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and emerging technology-infused learning programs —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 the company’s responsible business plan, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to achieve the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility.