Richmond County School System announced today five schools will join  Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion and is a key program under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning will equip every student and teacher at A.R. Johnson Magnet School, Hephzibah Middle School, Langford Middle School, Spirit Creek Middle School and Tutt Middle School with a device and up to a four-year data plan. In addition to free technology and access, schools receive extensive teacher training and support, along with the opportunity to engage in powerful teaching and learning that leverages technology in and out of the classroom.

“This initiative has been shown to drive academic improvement and boost confidence in technology use and resources for students and teachers,” said RCSS Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw. “The access to technology and staff to support its integration in these schools is game changing and advances our district wide technology access goal.”

In addition to free mobile devices and accompanying 30GB 4G LTE data plans, participating schools will be assigned a full-time coach to train teachers in effectively integrating technology into their lessons. Nearly 3,000 Richmond County students and 175 teachers will receive devices and data access through Verizon Innovative Learning. 

“The pandemic amplified the need for our students to have access to technology,” said RCSS Technology Director James Lunsford. “This initiative puts technology in the hands of our students and teachers and the staff in the schools to train teachers and students how to use it for their classes.” 

"As we are all aware, so many students across the nation are in need of access to technology and the skills needed to be successful in our digital world,” said Michelle Arrington, manager, Verizon State Government Affairs. “On behalf of Verizon, we are excited that students in the Richmond County School System will have the resources they need to thrive in today's digital world for a more promising future." 

The five schools from Richmond County Schools System are among the 148 new schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning, bringing the program to more than 400 middle and high schools nationwide. To date, Verizon has invested over $535 million in market value toward STEM education efforts in support of digital inclusion, impacting more than 450,000 students nationwide.

“Community partnerships are impactful to student engagement and elevate student performance and achievement,” Dr. Bradshaw added. “We appreciate the investment Verizon is making in our students and teachers.”