VSU joins program to Offer STEM and Technology Courses to Local Minority Male Students in Middle School
Virginia State University (VSU) has joined a program under Verizon Innovative Learning, the education initiative of the Verizon Foundation, to offer minority males from middle schools in Petersburg, Hopewell and Dinwiddie summer intensive courses in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Launched in 2015, the Verizon Innovative Learning program works with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions to prepare minority male students in middle school for the tech careers of the future. Students participating in the program are invited to university and college campuses for summer courses that provide entrepreneurship training, hands-on learning experiences in next-gen technologies like robotics, augmented reality, and 3D printing, and access to college-aged mentors. Following the summer courses, students are invited back to the universities, monthly, for continued STEM education courses and mentoring. Results from the Verizon Innovative Learning for Minority Males Academic Year Post Survey Results for the 2016-2017 school year show that 91 percent of student participants demonstrated an increased ability in science and 90 percent had an increased ability in math.
More than 1,400 students have participated in the Verizon Innovative Learning program to date. VSU joins 24 HBCUs and HSIs nationwide in this important initiative.
“Virginia State University was built on a rich tradition of service and the ideals of passion and perseverance to make a difference,” Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah said. “We thank Verizon for establishing this Verizon Innovative Learning program which addresses the shortage of minority males in the STEM fields. Together, we will have the power to change the lives of countless individuals who will be successful in making a difference in not only their lives but also in our communities.”
Verizon Innovative Learning gives free technology, free access and innovative curricula to under-resourced students impacted by the digital divide to help them realize a brighter future. To date, Verizon has invested $200 million in this initiative and has reached more than one million students. Learn more at www.VerizonInnovativeLearning.com.
