CUSD Scholars Receive Internet-Connected Devices at Verizon Innovative Learning Rollout Event
Media Release
Kelly, Bursch and Emerson Elementary Schools Join Verizon Innovative Learning
Compton Unified School District (CUSD) celebrated a major milestone in digital innovation with a rollout event at Kelly Elementary School, where 300 students received their very own internet-connected devices through a partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning and Digital Promise. The event was attended by Kelly scholars, CUSD Board Members Satra Zurita and Alma Taylor Pleasant, CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley, CUSD Administrators, Verizon representatives, and press.
The event marked the district’s expanded participation in the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, which provides students with devices and data plans while also equipping schools with technology coaches and professional development for teachers. The goal is to ensure sustainable digital access and reimagine how technology supports teaching and learning across classrooms.
Kelly Elementary, along with Bursch Elementary and Emerson Elementary, are the newest CUSD schools to join the program for the 2025–26 school year. With their addition, CUSD now has 15 Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, reaching more than 10,000 scholars since the partnership began in 2017. In all, 752 devices will be distributed across the three new schools, with each receiving an average investment valued at $2.3 million.
Teachers in the program report that access to technology allows for more individualized instruction, fosters creative approaches to teaching, and increases student engagement. “Being part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Program since 2017 has been an integral part of our success at Compton Unified School District,” said Michele Dawson, CUSD Senior Director of Instructional Technology. “We’re thrilled to have 15 schools involved now and have impacted more than 10,000 scholars with the program.”
Verizon leaders echoed the importance of the initiative. “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.”
The morning also included Kelly scholars using the devices in a series of workstations, highlighting the many uses and learning opportunities. As students left Kelly Elementary with devices in hand, the excitement was clear. With expanded access to technology, more CUSD scholars will be able to learn, create, and connect anytime, anywhere—preparing them for success in school and beyond.