Penn Hills School District Joins Verizon Innovative Learning, Bringing Internet Access, Devices and Technology Coaches to Local Middle/ High Schools

In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program welcomes Linton Middle School and Penn Hills High School to the newest cohort

Pittsburgh, PA – Today, Penn Hills School District joins the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative that empowers students and teachers with the tools they need to unlock their full potential and feel confident in today’s digital economy. 

In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to provide internet-connected and innovative STEM learning programs so students can excel. Being part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program will keep students connected, helping facilitate learning wherever it’s taking place.

Linton Middle School and Penn Hills High School are among the 33 new schools joining the 13th cohort of Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, bringing the program’s reach to 693 in 126 districts across the 
country. 

"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 Penn Hills Public School District, enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities for future success and become the next generation of leaders.”

Participating schools receive free mobile devices (either tablets or laptops) with accompanying Verizon 
data plans for every student and teacher beginning in fall 2026. In addition to reliable access for every 
student and teacher, the partnership equips each school with a full-time technology coach and provides robust professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. 

“The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program is a significant step forward for Penn Hills School District, allowing us to provide a device for every student in grades 6-12. It ensures equitable access to technology and prepares our students for success in a digital world,” said Dr. John Mozzocio, Superintendent of Penn Hills School District.

"As technology continues to evolve, it is more important than ever that we equip students and teachers 
with digital competencies through meaningful instruction using technology,” said Donna Epps, Chief 
Responsible Business Officer at Verizon. “We are thankful to continue our partnership with Digital 
Promise to welcome the 33 additional schools to the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, and enable new ways of learning.”

Verizon Innovative Learning is driving improvements in the classroom. In fact, 85 percent of teachers 
said the program enhanced their ability to differentiate instruction, and 84 percent said the program 
makes learning fun for students.

Learn more about Verizon Innovative Learning Schools at verizon.digitalpromise.org. 

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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 over 9 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 achieve the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with 
digital skills training by 2030.