MEDIA ADVISORY
Media contacts:
Gia Messore, Public Information Officer
856-794-6700 ext. 2103
gmessore@vineland.org
August 8, 2025
In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes four Vineland Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year
WHAT: On Monday, August 18, Vineland Public Schools will celebrate joining Verizon Innovative Learning—Verizon’s award-winning education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion—with a carnival-themed kickoff event at Thomas Wallace Middle School in which students will be assigned their own devices. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to provide students with internet-connected devices and to enhance how teachers use technology in the classroom, with an ultimate goal of sustainable digital access throughout the school district. Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning wherever it’s taking place.
In addition to reliable access for every student and teacher, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools also equips each school with a technology coach and provides robust professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers in the program have reported that the initiative allows for more individualized instruction, helps them explore new ways of teaching, and elevates student engagement.
Thomas Wallace Middle School, Edward Johnstone School, Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School, and Veterans Memorial Middle School are among 34 schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 2025-26 school year, bringing the program’s impact to 660 schools nationwide. A total of 2,673 devices with data plans will be provided to these Vineland Public Schools as part of the program. The market value of Verizon Innovative Learning’s investment is on average over $2.3 million per school.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring Verizon Innovative Learning to Vineland Public Schools,” said Superintendent Alfonso Llano. “This program gives our students more than just devices. It gives them access, opportunity, and the tools to succeed in a digital world. It also supports our teachers with meaningful professional development and new ways to connect with their students. We’re excited for what this means not just for our classrooms, but for the future of our entire school community.”
"At Verizon, we all know how critical access to technology and skills development is in today’s digital world,” said Mario Acosta-Velez, Region Senior Director, Verizon Local Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility. "We are proud to bring Verizon Innovative Learning Schools to Vineland Public Schools and enable students to develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities to be successful and become the next generation of STEM leaders.”
Monday’s kickoff event at Thomas Wallace Middle School will feature local students being assigned their own devices—which will remain at school until they complete digital citizenship lessons in the first weeks of the school year—as well as remarks from administrators and program leaders on how the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program can support academic achievement and lifelong success. In addition, at the carnival’s “student device playground,” Wallace students and their families will be able to explore and get hands-on experience with their new devices, have an opportunity to ask questions of district IT staff, and learn device care tips.
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 18 | 12:00 pm
WHERE: Thomas Wallace Middle School | 688 N Mill Rd, Vineland, NJ 08360
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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 to support digital equity, reaching nearly 9 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and emerging technology-infused learning programs —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 achieve the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at citizenverizon.com.