Summer STEM enrichment helps students dream bigger
Students, educators, mentors and parents share how the Verizon Innovative Learning program shaped their paths and futures.
Former attendees of the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program share snapshots of where they are now.
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. 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.
Students
Nayti Patel and Nadia Flores participated in the program at Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, Virginia, in 2018.
“Being a part of this program really showed me how important it is to work with teams to solve real-world issues, because nobody can do it alone.”
— Miles Davis, Howard University program attendee
“When I did the program, I was like, ‘Wow! Science is important. I do need to learn this.’ I finished my eighth-grade year barely passing science. I didn’t feel confident, so I’d forget it. But after this program, I wanted to learn all the STEM stuff. Now, I earn As and Bs across the board.”
— Cerenity Brant, South Arkansas Community College program attendee
“The Verizon Innovative Learning program prepared me for where I am now by introducing and developing skills such as time management and problem-solving — both essential for success in STEM and beyond. I would tell students interested in participating that it is extremely beneficial, as it introduces topics and skills that they will not be exposed to otherwise.”
— Grace Lester, Big Sandy Community and Technical College program attendee
“The various open-ended projects given by the program allowed me to develop critical thinking in areas I never would have. I started to think, ‘If I could do this on a small scale, imagine what could be done with more.’ The program’s insight into STEM careers piqued my interest as well; it made me realize that innovation was the future, and the best way I could make an impact on my community and my nation was through diving deeper into the world of engineering… I’ve gone on to getting my Private Pilot License, interning at [a major defense contractor] on the F-22 project, and now am joining a project to create and manufacture a CubeSAT (small satellite) through the Naval Academy.”
— Aram Hayrapetyan, Morgan State University program attendee
Aram is now majoring in aerospace engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy.
“Before I attended the camp, I was never introduced to the world of engineering and what it could do for me and more importantly the future. Eventually I plan on becoming an environmentalist, something along the lines of a consultant, geologist, or water treatment.”
— Tyson Hammond, Morgan State University program attendee
Tyson is studying environmental engineering at Kennesaw State University.
“My mentor taught me how not to be scared of making mistakes. That’s something I still carry with me today.”
— Zion Braddy, Central State University program attendee
“One big thing I remember from the [program] was that every morning there would be a new, accomplished woman to talk to us and tell us what her career journey had been like and the obstacles she has had to face. I have always remembered the impact that [guest speakers] had on me. Having those role models really solidified to me that I can have a career in STEM, and gave me the confidence to go to college, since I am a first-generation student, to accomplish those goals.”
— Danielle Amos, Patrick Henry Community College program attendee
Danielle is double-majoring in biology and anthropology with a concentration in medical anthropology on a pre-med track at the University of Virginia.
“It was a very life-changing experience. I got to learn a lot of stuff I never learned before in my life that still helps me to this day. We got to learn how to code, how to do CAD, 3D printing. My mentor from the Verizon [program] was Maxwell. I could relate to him. I really like football, and him playing football in college while being an engineering major made me think I can also do the same thing.”
— Mekhi Burgess, Clark Atlanta University program attendee
“The program opened my understanding of technology, but also had a significant impact on my social development. When I first arrived, I was quite reserved, but the experience helped me out of my shell a bit and to explore my chosen career path more deeply.”
— Ricky Richardson, North Carolina A&T State University program attendee
Ricky is pursuing an automotive engineering technology degree at North Carolina A&T State University.
“Before the program, I definitely didn’t know about other career possibilities in STEM. It 100% helped my path up to now."
— Ravion Lightfoot, Jackson State University program attendee
Ravion is now at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
“I feel as if Verizon Innovative Learning had a great impact on my life and that it opened up the doors to STEM for me. I joined the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in seventh grade after doing the program in sixth and seventh grade and I am now President of the Martinsville-Henry County chapter and I actually just spoke at NSBE’s Golden Torch Awards ceremony after winning NSBE’s Pre-Collegiate Female Student of the Year Award!”
— Destiny Johnson, Patrick Henry Community College program attendee
Destiny is attending the University of Virginia this fall and majoring in neuroscience.
“Being exposed to engineering through extracurriculars like the Verizon Innovative Learning summer program helped me find a passion for engineering. Through these programs, I was introduced to the idea of combining both engineering and medicine in Biomedical Engineering (BME), and I have been on that journey ever since.
— Chloe Taylor, Patrick Henry Community College program attendee
Chloe is studying biomedical engineering on a pre-med track at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Mentors
Student Elijah Wood (left) sits with mentor Jonathan Cummings during the program at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, in 2017.
“Mentoring in this program has led me to become a better leader. Seeing these students grow in confidence and ability over time has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
— Brandon Harris, North Carolina A&T State University program mentor
“The students made me feel that I was making an impact with every student, every single day. Being able to see them grow—as scientists, computer scientists, as men—was absolutely lovely. I think all of those kids are gonna grow up to be outstanding. I think that that’s really important for anyone, just to have somebody to look up to and to help you improve. And it just becomes a chain reaction of learning and growth and positivity. I think I was able to become a better person just by being around these amazing students.”
— Shyriq’ McShan, Virginia State University program mentor
“What I love the most about being a mentor is really just being a figure in the lives of these young women.”
— Samantha Villegas, Prince George’s Community College program mentor
“After this mentoring opportunity, I realized the impact I could have on building a relationship between students and their education and how teachers build the foundation for how kids learn. The Verizon Innovative Learning program really widened my perspective on education and teaching.”
— Marcus Fields, Howard University program mentor
“Teaching kids 3D modeling was one of the best experiences I have had. In guiding [students] along the way, I learned patience and leadership, and also the importance of communication. The glimpses of progress and creativity in the kids excited me so much and fueled my passion to teach modeling again. On the whole, mentoring in the program was a privilege and an opportunity for growth for both children and myself. I loved it and would do it again.”
— Daniel Ukpebor, Jackson State University program mentor
Parents
Jennie Lester (left) with her daughter, Grace Lester, who attended the program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College in eastern Kentucky in 2024.
“Before Zion’s interaction with Verizon he was shy. And there was some uncertainty in who or what he wanted to become. He’s more mature academically and socially. He’s become more of a light also to where he wants to share that experience with other children.”
— Tisa Braddy, parent of Zion Braddy, Central State University program attendee
“Now he’s involved with the National Society of Black Engineers, and next thing we know, here comes this mindset of an entrepreneur.”
— Sean Davis, parent of Miles Davis, Howard University program attendee
“Every day, Nathan would come home very enthusiastic about the program. It inspired so many things for Nathan. Now we’re thinking about getting a 3D printer of our own.”
— Regine Pierre, parent of Nathan Pierre, Howard University program attendee
“Since participating in the Verizon Innovative Learning program, Grace’s confidence and sense of curiosity about STEM has increased significantly. She has developed an interest in technology, coding, and problem-solving. She joined the Cyber-Patriot team at her school and was part of the first all-female team in Kentucky to compete at the semifinal level in the platinum tier. I credit the Verizon Innovative Learning program for giving her the skills and confidence to help her achieve her goals.”
— Jennie Lester, parent of Grace Lester, Big Sandy Community and Technical College program attendee
“My son was 14 when I happened to stumble across the program. I asked him if he was interested, and his first response was ‘no, he doesn’t like engineering’. I decided to enroll him and he went to the first class, begrudgingly. When I picked him up that evening he was full of energy and enthusiastic about engineering. He has nothing but good things to say. Fast forward, he decided that was the career path for him. During high school, he took courses at Georgia Tech and is now in his junior year of college majoring in civil engineering and wants to minor in nuclear engineering.”
— Dominique Gillis, parent of Tyson Hammond, Morgan State University program attendee
Program Directors & Coordinators
Marquita McCulley, Program Director, North Carolina A&T State University.
“Knowing that students carry their experiences with them even after their time ends with us is the most rewarding feeling. The lasting impact you can have on a student’s life is what truly makes the years more meaningful… Witnessing former students succeed, pursue their passions, and contribute meaningfully to their fields is incredibly fulfilling.”
— LaDawn Partlow, Morgan State University
“Imagine being a Little League General Manager over a squad of [Verizon Innovative Learning] STEM Achievers coached by college students and K-12 educators. To see the students’ growth over the years has been like watching an educational draft lottery. The prospects are automotive engineering majors, chemistry majors, accounting majors, graphic design majors, cybersecurity majors, animal science majors, and more.”
— Marquita McCulley, North Carolina A&T State University
"Watching these students mature, develop, and increase their intellectual prowess proves there is hope … Personally, I am elated to have the opportunity to impact not only the lives of our students but also of future generations of students and their families. Professionally, this program has been the centerpiece of my mentoring efforts, as it has led to my receiving a Presidential Award for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics mentoring.”
— Dr. Clay Gloster, North Carolina A&T State University
“We started with just 20 students and three instructors, and now we have over 250 participants and 12 instructors. Seeing students graduate and go on to institutions like the U.S. Air Force Academy and top universities has been incredibly rewarding… One of the most unexpected and rewarding outcomes has been the impact on our mentors. Their experience in the program has helped them secure job offers and shaped their own futures, just as much as the students they’ve mentored… We’ve had parents stop us and say, ‘We want our child to join your program. We’ve heard so many great things!’ It’s heartwarming to see the trust and reputation we’ve built in the community.”
— Dr. Kamal Ali and Dr. Ali Abu-El Humos, Jackson State University
“The most rewarding part of leading this program is knowing that we are not just teaching skills but inspiring futures. Every time a student says, ‘I want to be an engineer,’ ‘I want to start my own business,’ or ‘I didn’t think I could do this, but now I know I can,’ it reinforces why this work matters. We are not only equipping students with technical knowledge but also blessing them with the opportunity to explore fields they may have never considered before. This program provides many of them with a fresh outlook on their potential and the possibilities ahead.”
— Dina Smith, Jackson State University
“[The program] gives kids an opportunity to be somewhere in the summer, to get a warm meal every day, or breakfast, while learning … STEM [curriculum]. We provide equipment that they would probably never get to touch otherwise.”
— Jarred Gibson, Big Sandy Community and Technical College
“You could see through the [students’] progression how it sparks [their] interest. The fact that these students could use that type of technology boosts their confidence.”
— Brenda Rios Brombacher, Houston Community College
“We’re not just teaching STEM; we’re creating an experience. We try to make sure the children understand history and how Black and Brown groups and cultures have used technology over time, so they don’t feel like STEM is something that is detached from them, but that it has direct ties to their identity and solving problems within their community.”
— Dr. Kofi LeNiles, Howard University
“It awakens their creativity to be able to be leaders and innovators of technology… During adolescence, students are really building their identities. It’s a really important time to be able to have them reflect on who they are: What do they value? What do they see themselves to be in the future?”
— Dr. Jessica Morales-Chicas, Cal State Los Angeles
“Sometimes stepping onto our campus is the first time they’ve ever been exposed to a college campus. When they get to interact with college students and tour the campus, that really is a confidence booster. It tells them, ‘I CAN do this one day. And I deserve this in my own life.’”
— Robyn Clayton, Clark Atlanta University
“It was important for us to have mentoring as part of this program. They’re forming friendships, and they’re building things that they never thought they could do.”
— June Evans, Prince George’s Community College
Sign Up! Registration is now open for the free 2025 Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers summer program for middle school students. Don’t miss this opportunity to ignite curiosity and build STEM skills.
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.
