Bastrop ISD Students to Receive Internet-Connected Devices from Verizon Innovative Learning at Rollout Event

In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes 2 schools in Bastrop ISD for the 2026-27 school year

 

On August 14, Bastrop ISD will celebrate joining Verizon Innovative Learning—Verizon’s award-winning education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion—with a kickoff at Creekside and Riverside Middle Schools in which students will receive their own devices. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to provide students with internet-connected devices and to enhance how teachers use technology in the classroom, with an ultimate goal of sustainable digital access throughout the school district. Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning wherever it’s taking place.

"By bringing cutting-edge technology and tailored educational resources directly into classrooms, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program helps unlock new possibilities for every student.  We are excited to deepen our partnership with Bastrop ISD as we expand the program to reach more students and continue driving lasting impact across their communities," said Ryan Beck, Director, Verizon State & Local Government Affairs.

In addition to reliable access for every student and teacher, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools also equips each school with a technology coach and provides robust professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers in the program have reported that the initiative allows for more individualized instruction, helps them explore new ways of teaching, and elevates student engagement.

A total of 840 devices with data plans will be provided to these Bastrop ISD schools as part of the program. The market value of Verizon Innovative Learning’s investment is on average over $2.3 million per school.

Creekside and Riverside Middle Schools are among 33 schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 2026-27 school year, bringing the program’s impact to 693 schools nationwide. 

“We are extremely excited to continue our success in the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program. Creekside and Riverside Middle Schools have put great effort into planning how they will meaningfully integrate the elements of this partnership to support student learning and achieve their campus goals. Students, teachers, administrators, and staff will have tons of great opportunities to learn and grow together, taking teaching and learning to the next level,”  said Chris Lairscey, Director of Digital Learning & Library Services for Bastrop ISD.

“The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program has always been about more than devices; it is built on the understanding that technology is only as effective as the instructional model it supports,” said Jean-Claude Brizard, president and CEO of Digital Promise. “By focusing on the interaction between teachers, students, and the instructional core, we are applying what we’ve learned through our partnership to fuel powerful learning in every classroom and prepare students for the future.”