News and
Announcements

MEDIA ADVISORY

September 7, 2021

Media contacts:

The media contacts for Mater Academy are Alice Martinez, amartinez@materlakes.org, and Gaby Fernandez- Romani, gfernandezromani@materacademy.com.

Students and teachers will receive devices, internet access and innovative learning programs

In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes seven schools from Mater Academy of Florida for the 2021-2022 school year.

WHAT: On September 11th, seven Florida middle and high schools will join Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, which addresses barriers to digital inclusion. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program provides free devices, internet access and innovative learning programs to help give under-resourced students the technology, education and opportunity they deserve. Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning from anywhere—in the classroom, at home or in hybrid learning environments. Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement.

Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused education model, Verizon Innovative Learning also equips each school with a technology coach and provides professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers in the program have reported that the initiative helped prepare them for remote learning, allows for more individualized instruction and elevates student engagement. Students have reported that assignments are easier with the use of technology, and having it improves their confidence in the things they can do.*

Mater Academy High School, Mater Academy Lakes High School, Mater Performing Arts and Entertainment Academy, Mater Academy Miami Beach, Mater Brighton Lakes, Mater Palms Academy are among 246 new schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning for the 2021-22 school year, equipping nearly 183,000 new students with technology resources and bringing the program’s impact to more than 500 schools nationwide. A total of 3,790 devices will be provided to these schools as part of the program. The market value of the Verizon Innovative Learning program’s investment in the 1:1 device schools is on average over $2.3 million per school. These schools join seven additional schools from Mater Academy of Florida who were part of previous cohorts of the initiative.

"Mater Academy is grateful for partnering with Verizon Innovative Learning on improving the lives of our teachers, students, and families. We are witnessing how partnerships with business community partners can transform and enhance the educational lives of everyone," District leader Frank Jimenez said.

“So many students across the nation lack the access to technology and resources they need to be successful in today’s digital world,” Denise Loughlin from Verizon, said. “On behalf of Verizon, we are excited to help enable students from Mater Academy of Florida to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities for a more promising future.”

To celebrate Mater Academy of Florida’s participation in the program, a kick-off event at Mater Academy High will feature local middle and high school students receiving their own devices.

WHEN: September 11 | 8:00 am - 12 pm

WHERE: Mater Academy High |7901 NW 103rd St, Hialeah Gardens, FL

*Source: Westat (2020). Westat (2019)

Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon's award-winning education initiative, 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. Since 2012, the program has provided free technology, access and innovative learning programs to under-resourced schools, 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 will provide free access to immersive XR educational experiences to all K-12 teachers nationwide. The company is committed to providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.