Verizon innovation labs unveiled in Jersey City

At a kickoff party March 13, the latest Verizon Innovative Learning Labs was unveiled at Joseph H. Brensinger elementary school (Public School Number. 17) and Mahatma K. Gandhi Schools (PS No. 23).

Through a partnership between Verizon and Heart of America, the labs give teachers and students access to new technology. The aim is to offer fun, hands-on, and experiential learning experiences using technologies such as augmented or virtual reality (AV/VR), 3D printers, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Verizon says the effort is also part of its commitment to digital inclusion, as the company continues to work with nonprofit partners to provide free technology, free internet access and hands-on learning experience to help students in under-resourced communities receive the education needed to prepare for today’s digital economy.

“So many students across the nation lack the access to technology and resources they need to be successful in today’s digital world,” said Mark Bocchieri, manager, State and Local Government Affairs, Verizon. “On behalf of Verizon, we are excited to enable students in Jersey City Public Schools with this multi-year initiative that integrates emerging technology with an online, project-based curriculum along with real-world problem solving in a custom-designed, experiential learning lab.”

Verizon Innovative Learning has contributed $1 billion to this digital equity effort since 2012. This amount has reached 1.5 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning has set a goal to provide digital skills training for 10 million youths by 2030. The program is a key initiative under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement.