As Portland Public Schools (PPS) accelerates to become a tech enabled school district, it is announcing an expanded partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning Schools that will provide more than 2,500 students at George, Kellogg, and Lane Middle Schools and Roosevelt High School with tech devices. These schools join other schools that received more than 1,000 devices last year.
“In the last school year, where digital technologies have become an even more essential educational tool, we are deeply appreciative of Verizon for being a key partner in our efforts to become a tech enabled school district that empowers every student,” said Don Wolff, Chief Technology Officer for PPS.
In partnership with Digital Promise, the program provides free devices, internet access and innovative learning programs to students. This award-winning initiative seeks to address long-standing systemic barriers to digital inclusion in education across the U.S.
Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused education model, each school is equipped with a technology coach who 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, allowed for more individualized instruction and elevated student engagement.
"So many students across the nation lack the access to technology and resources they need to be successful in today's digital world," said Alex Leupp, the local government and external affairs executive director at Verizon. "On behalf of Verizon, we are excited to help enable students in Portland Public Schools to develop their skills, knowledge and capabilities for a more promising future."
These four new schools are among 246 new schools across the nation joining Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 2021-22 school year. The initiative is equipping nearly 183,000 new students with technology resources and bringing the program’s impact to more than 500 schools nationwide. Five PPS Title I Schools (Marysville K-8 School, Cesar Chavez School, Faubion School K-8, Lent K-8 School, Harrison Park K-8 School) joined in the 2020-21 school year.
Source: Portland Public Schools