HU and Verizon Partner for Innovative Learning Program to Offer STEM and Technology Courses to Local Minority Male Students in Middle School

HAMPTON, Va. — Middle school male students from Hampton City Schools will participate in a three-week program at Hampton University to immerse them in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities, starting July 2, 2018, which will run until July 20, 2018.

“It’s exciting that Verizon renewed this program for another two years, and it’s our honor to bring together our talented faculty with youth in our community who may not have access or the means to learn about STEM,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “I hope that programs like this will offer promising young students a leg up to ensure their futures are successful and full of dreams.

Launched in 2015, the Verizon Innovative Learning Program works with Hampton University to help prepare minority male students in middle school for the tech careers of the future. Students participating in the program are invited to learn and take summer courses at HU that provide entrepreneurship training, hands-on learning experiences in next-gen technologies, like robotics, augmented reality, and 3D printing. Following the summer courses, students are invited back to the university, monthly, for continued STEM education courses and mentoring.

This program is free for minority male students from the Hampton roads area. The Verizon Innovative Learning program gives free technology, free access and innovative curricula to under-resourced students impacted by the digital divide to help them realize a brighter future. There is still space available and interested students are encouraged to apply online.

“I’m excited to continue with the Verizon program. It’s really been a beneficial program for the young males in the area; they’re excited to participate in this program,” said Dr. Otsebele E. Nare, Hampton University VIL Program Leader and Associate Professor for the Hampton University School of Engineering. “This year we are focusing on those students who have not been part of the program before. It’s a great experience for them because they come on campus and spend three weeks here, seeing what campus life is like, but at the same time learning. We really want them to learn to solve problems, not only to find the solution.”

Middle school minority male students who want to participate in this summer’s program can apply online here:https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/50609-Base-11.

About Verizon Innovative Learning

Verizon Innovative Learning, the education initiative of the Verizon Foundation, brings technology and hands-on learning opportunities to middle and high school students in underserved schools and communities. We not only fund the programs, but we also create and administer them in partnership with leading nonprofits. We diligently measure the impact of our work and refine our programs to ensure we’re making a difference. We’ve reached more than 1 million students so far – and we’re just getting started. For more information about Verizon’s philanthropic work, visit www.verizon.com/about/responsibility; or for regular updates, visit Facebook (www.facebook.com/verizonfoundation) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/VZFoundation).