Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Since 2012, Verizon Innovative Learning has been empowering students with new ways of learning. Its summer program has opened its doors to middle school students for over a decade, giving them hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and the confidence to explore new ideas, solve real-world problems, and pursue STEM careers. But the real impact of the program isn’t just in the lessons learned — it’s in the lives changed.
Hosted on over 44 college campuses in 26 states across the country, the
Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program pairs mentors with students to provide hands-on learning in STEM fields, exposing them to emerging technologies like augmented reality, 3D printing, drones and robotics. Over the years, through immersive programming, students
collaborate on real-world projects, engage with industry professionals, and
develop problem-solving skills that prepare them for future careers. From students who discovered a passion for coding to mentors who saw their impact ripple through generations, the voices of students tell the story
best. As we celebrate 10 years of innovation, opportunity and growth,
here’s what they have to say about where they are now and how the program helped shape their future.
Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of the company’s responsible
business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan,
Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital
skills training by 2030. Educators can access free lessons, professional
development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.
Since 2012, Verizon Innovative Learning has been empowering students with new ways of learning. Its summer program has opened its doors to middle school students for over a decade, giving them hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and the confidence to explore new ideas, solve real-world problems, and pursue STEM careers. But the real impact of the program isn’t just in the lessons learned — it’s in the lives changed.
Hosted on over 44 college campuses in 26 states across the country, the
Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program pairs mentors with students to provide hands-on learning in STEM fields, exposing them to emerging technologies like augmented reality, 3D printing, drones and robotics. Over the years, through immersive programming, students
collaborate on real-world projects, engage with industry professionals, and
develop problem-solving skills that prepare them for future careers. From students who discovered a passion for coding to mentors who saw their impact ripple through generations, the voices of students tell the story
best. As we celebrate 10 years of innovation, opportunity and growth,
here’s what they have to say about where they are now and how the program helped shape their future.
Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of the company’s responsible
business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan,
Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital
skills training by 2030. Educators can access free lessons, professional
development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.



![Philly food truck owner levels up with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
It’s a beautiful Thursday in Philadelphia and V’Esther Goode is busy frying up her signature cheesesteak egg rolls as the chef and owner of Boomer’s Kitchen & Catering. One by one, customers find their way to the food truck, while Goode (whose nickname is Boomer) greets everyone with an infectious smile. Not only is Goode living her passion, she has gained new confidence in running her business, something she attributes to Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.
“It has built my confidence 100 percent,” Goode says.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a free, online portal designed to help small business owners like Goode succeed in today’s digital world. The portal offers self-paced courses led by successful business owners, in addition to personalized coaching, networking and incentives such as grants to eligible businesses.
Before taking courses in the portal, Goode was doing everything by herself. And while her business was successful (she says she’s known for her mouthwatering breakfast platters), she often felt stressed. “I felt like this business was running me, not that I was running this business,” she says.
Now, with 10 courses and coaching sessions under her belt, Goode knows how to track her finances, write a business plan, attract corporate catering gigs, target social media influencers, and infuse search engine optimization (SEO) into her website redesign.
“[What I’ve learned in the program] made things smoother, less stressful,” she says.” I’m up earlier now. I’m promoting more now. I got a new assistant. I’m getting invoices faster, booking faster. My catering is already booked until 2022.”
Goode now feels empowered to take her business to the next level. Her five-year plan includes owning a commercial kitchen, doing corporate catering and hiring more employees. Most importantly, Goode wants to leave a legacy.
“In the beginning, [this business] was just to get my son through college,” Goode reflects. “But now I know that this is something that I can leave a legacy behind with. When I go, my children will have something to carry on. My family will have something to be proud of.”
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all and help ensure that no one is left behind. Watch and see how the portal has helped Boomer.
*This small business is a member of the Verizon Small Business Advisory Panel and is compensated by Verizon.
#Verizon #5GBuiltRight #Verizon5G Philly food truck owner levels up with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MEgrK-8HAl8/mqdefault.jpg)






