Bastrop Independent School District Students to Receive Internet-Connected Devices from Verizon Innovative Learning at Rollout Event
In partnership with Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning welcomes two Bastrop ISD schools in for the 2025-2026 school year
WHAT: On Friday, Aug. 8, Bastrop Independent School District will celebrate joining Verizon Innovative Learning—Verizon’s award-winning education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion—with a kickoff event at Bastop Middle School 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.
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.
“This opportunity to partner with the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program is invaluable. Our students, teachers, staff, and district at large will benefit greatly from the access, systems, professional learning, and leadership coaching this will bring,” said Chris Lairscey, Bastrop ISD Director of Digital Learning & Library Services. “We are beyond excited for Bastrop ISD to lead the way and be a model for excellence through our participation in this program.”
Bastrop Middle School and Cedar Creek Middle School are among 34 schools joining Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 2025-26 school year, bringing the program’s impact to 660 schools nationwide. A total of 1,682 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.
“Verizon Innovative Learning ignites innovation and curiosity within the classroom,” said Ryan Beck, Director, Verizon State & Local Government Affairs. “We are excited to welcome Bastrop ISD into the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, and about the lasting impact it will have on students and their communities.”
Friday’s kickoff event at Bastrop Middle School will feature local students receiving their own devices, as well as remarks and demonstrations from administrators and program leaders on how the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program can support academic achievement and lifelong success.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 8 | 1 p.m. CT
WHERE: Bastrop Middle School | 725 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop, TX, 78602
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About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, is celebrating over a decade of commitment to addressing barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers. Since 2012, the program has committed over $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching nearly 9 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and emerging technology-infused learning programs —enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build an innovative workforce of the future. In 2021, Verizon launched Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a next-gen online education portal that provides free access to immersive extended reality (XR) educational experiences to all educators, including K–12 teachers, nationwide. A key program under the company’s responsible business plan, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to achieve the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at citizenverizon.com.
