Small African American boy working on innovative equipment in laboratory.

Stillman, Verizon to host free STEM program for middle-schoolers

By Stillman College
Empowering young students with STEM and entrepreneurship skills to help build future success

Stillman College is partnering with Verizon and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship to offer a free, project-based STEM learning program, Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers, for middle school students starting on June 12.

Verizon launched the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program to empower middle school students in under-resourced communities to explore STEM subjects, learn problem-solving skills and gain exposure to career opportunities in technology fields.

Participating students will receive mentorship, access to next-gen technology and hands-on training. The initiative provides engaging programming where sixth- to eighth-grade students can learn design thinking, 3D printing, augmented reality and social entrepreneurship.

The program is designed to create a more diverse pipeline for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields; no prior knowledge or experience is required.

Stillman will hold a pair of in-person STEM Achievers program on its campus from June 12-22 and July 10-30. REGISTRATION and participation are free. Meals and transportation will be provided. Enrichment classes will be held Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Activities will be led by more than a dozen Stillman students involved in leadership groups across campus.

“The program is focused on kids who are affected by the digital divide, to not only get acquainted to technology but to develop new skills and interests in areas such as coding and robotics,” said Carly Erby, Stillman senior psychology major and camp instructor for Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers. “We’ll also offer STEM-related field trips and other activities such as bowling, swimming and skating.”

About Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers helps to address critical roadblocks to pursuing STEM-related degrees, including disparities in access to high-quality STEM educational resources, lack of role models and a shortage of highly trained, minority STEM educators. This program increases opportunities for females and students of color – populations often under-represented in STEM fields. Additionally, the project-based learning opportunities are connected to real-world challenges and invite STEM learning, career exploration and personal development.

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is part of the company’s education initiative that helps to address barriers to digital inclusion under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all.