Three Compton Elementary Schools Selected for Verizon Technology Program

Three Compton elementary schools will receive comprehensive technology resources and training as part of a prestigious national program aimed at closing the digital divide. Bursch, Emerson, and Kelly Elementary Schools have been selected to join the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program for the 2025-2026 school year, expanding Compton Unified School District’s participation to a total of 15 schools.

The program, a partnership between Verizon and Digital Promise, will provide each student and teacher with tablets or laptops and Verizon data plans ensuring connectivity both in school and at home. The schools will also receive funding for a full-time technology coach and professional development to help educators effectively integrate technology into their teaching.

“I cannot emphasize enough how big a deal this is to add these three wonderful learning communities to Compton Unified’s cadre of 12 Verizon Innovative Learning schools,” said Micah Ali, President of the Board of Trustees for Compton Unified School District. “It demonstrates our district’s efforts to ensure our students access learning environments that allows them to not just compete in a digital society but lead in it.”

The selection is particularly significant for elementary students, as the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program has primarily focused on middle and high schools in previous years. Bursch, Emerson, and Kelly are among 34 new Title I schools from nine districts nationwide joining the program’s 12th cohort, bringing the total to 660 participating schools across the country.

Compton Unified has been recognized as a leader in leveraging educational technology to improve student outcomes. The district was recently ranked first in performance among similar California unified school districts in state test scores. This expansion builds on the district’s track record of embracing technology-driven education, having participated in the Verizon program since 2017.

“The addition of these three schools to the Verizon Innovative Learning program marks another step forward in our mission to provide high-quality, innovative education,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, Superintendent of Compton Unified School District. “With 15 schools now participating, we are grateful for this partnership, which continues to provide our students and educators with invaluable support.”

Research on the program has shown significant positive impacts, with 80% of participating teachers reporting increased confidence in using technology for instruction and 80% noting higher student engagement. For communities like Compton, the program addresses critical barriers to digital inclusion that many students face.

Each of the three schools brings unique strengths to the program. Bursch Elementary focuses on creating a technology-rich environment where students develop critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems. Emerson Elementary has established itself as a leader in dual-language immersion programs and recently partnered with the Los Angeles Dodgers for literacy initiatives. Kelly Elementary emphasizes social and academic development within a nurturing learning environment.

The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program is part of Verizon’s commitment to digital equity, with over $1 billion invested in devices, connectivity, and community support to help close the digital divide. Educators and students will have access to Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a free portal providing over 500 STEM-infused K-12 lessons and professional development resources.

Implementation of the program will begin over the summer with teacher training, with full deployment expected when students return for the 2025-2026 school year in August. Families of students at the three schools will receive detailed information about the program and their new devices in the coming months.

This story draws on information from Compton Unified School District, Verizon, Digital Promise, and 2UrbanGirls.