Bursch, Emerson, and Kelly Elementary Join Verizon Innovative Learning Schools
Verizon Innovative Learning Expands to 15 Schools in Compton Unified for the 2025-26 School Year in Partnership with Digital Promise
Media Release
Compton, CA – Compton Unified School District (CUSD) proudly announces that Bursch, Emerson, and Kelly Elementary Schools have been selected to the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, and award-winning education initiative designed to address barriers to digital inclusion. In collaboration with Digital Promise, the program provides students and teachers with free technology devices, internet access, and cutting-edge STEM learning opportunities to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
“I cannot emphasize enough how big a deal this is to add these three wonderful learning communities to Compton Unified’s cadre of 12 Verizon Innovative Learning schools,” said Micah Ali, President of the Board of Trustees for Compton Unified School District. “It demonstrates our district’s efforts to ensure our students access learning environments that allows them to not just compete in a digital society but lead in it.”
“The addition of these three schools to the Verizon Innovative Learning program marks another step forward in our mission to provide high-quality, innovative education,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, Superintendent of Compton Unified School District. “With 15 schools now participating, we are grateful for this partnership, which continues to provide our students and educators with invaluable support.”
“Verizon is proud to work alongside Digital Promise to equip Compton Unified schools with the latest technology and internet access while offering robust support to teachers,” said Ursula Moran Bagley, Verizon Government Affairs Director. “By investing in the community, we hope to inspire students and empower them to map out their future careers with confidence.”
Compton Unified Expands Access to Technology & Support
Through this program, every student and teacher at participating schools will receive a free tablet or laptop with a Verizon data plan, ensuring reliable access both in and outside of the classroom. Each school will also be assigned a full-time technology coach and receive comprehensive professional development to help educators integrate technology into their teaching effectively.
Bursch, Emerson, and Kelly Elementary Schools are among 34 new schools joining the 12th cohort of Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, bringing the program’s reach to 660 middle and high schools nationwide.
They join 12 other CUSD schools already participating in the program:
· Bunche Middle School
· Centennial High School
· Compton High School
· Compton Early College High School
· Davis Middle School
· Dominguez High School
· Enterprise Middle School
· Laurel Street Elementary School
· Roosevelt Middle School
· Tibby Elementary School
· Whaley Middle School
· Willowbrook/Compton Early College Middle School
Proven Impact on Student Learning
Research shows that the Verizon Innovative Learning program is making a tangible impact:
✅ 80% of teachers report feeling more confident in using technology for instruction
✅ 80% of teachers say the program has increased student engagement*
These efforts are part of Verizon’s broader commitment to closing the digital divide and advancing digital inclusion through responsible business initiatives.
For more information about Verizon Innovative Learning Schools and how to apply, visit verizon.digitalpromise.org.
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**Source: Digital Promise and Westat (Spring 2024).
About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, is celebrating over a decade of commitment to addressing barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers. Since 2012, the program has committed over $1 billion in market value, reaching over 8.5 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and emerging technology-infused learning programs to students in under-resourced communities—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 provides free access to immersive extended reality (XR) educational experiences to all educators, including K–12 teachers, nationwide. A key program under the company’s responsible business plan, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to drive the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at citizenverizon.com
About Compton Unified School District
Compton Unified School District, whose Superintendent is Dr. Darin Brawley, is located in the south-central region of Los Angeles County. CUSD encompasses the city of Compton and portions of the cities of Carson and Los Angeles. The district currently serves more than 17,000 students at 36 sites. CUSD is a district that is elevating, with a high school graduation rate of 93%, dramatic facilities improvements, 88% college acceptance, and a focus on STEAM throughout all schools. The mission of the Compton Unified School District is to empower leaders to lead, teachers to teach, and students to learn by fostering an environment that encourages leaders and teachers to be visionary, innovative, and accountable for the achievement of all students. CUSD schools have received numerous awards, including Golden Bell Awards, National Blue Ribbon School designations, and Top 10 LA Public Schools by Innovate LA. CUSD is also a member of the League of Innovative Schools. The District’s Superintendent, Dr. Darin Brawley, was named 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. For more information, visit http://www.compton.k12.ca.us
Compton Schools #Elevate
We believe in Compton Scholars.