Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers – 2025

Texas Southern University proudly hosted the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program, a free immersive summer experience for rising 6th–8th grade students. This impactful program was held from June 23 to July 11, 2025, wherein 200 students from schools spanning the greater Houston area were enrolled.

In partnership with Verizon and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), and in collaboration with Arizona State University’s Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, Texas Southern University’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology provided Title I middle school students with emerging technology, project-based curriculum, and supportive mentorship.

The initiative is designed to boost creativity, confidence, and technical skills in students who are historically underrepresented in STEM fields.

Key Program Highlights:

Digital Innovation: Students explore cutting-edge tools to develop original solutions.
Immersive Media: Hands-on activities in 3D design, virtual environments, and storytelling.
Smart Solutions: Introduction to engineering design, systems thinking, and prototyping.
Artificial Intelligence: Beginner-friendly projects that demystify how AI works and where it shows up in daily life.

Students built real-world problem-solving skills, learned about entrepreneurship, and gained exposure to college and career pathways in science and technology. This initiative is part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon’s broader commitment to digital inclusion and community empowerment. We’re excited to lead this work at TSU and look forward to supporting the next generation of innovators.