TCC Hosts Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program

May 20, 2022

Learning Commons window with TCC logoTallahassee Community College (TCC) is partnering with Verizon and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) to offer a free, project-based STEM learning program, Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers, for students in grades 6 through 8. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on TCC’s main campus starting on June 13.

Verizon launched the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program to empower middle school students in under-resourced communities to explore STEM subjects, learn problem-solving skills and gain exposure to career opportunities in technology fields. Participating students will receive mentorship, access to next-gen technology and hands-on training. The initiative provides engaging programming where sixth- to eighth-grade students can learn design thinking, 3D printing, augmented reality and social entrepreneurship.

Designed to create a more diverse pipeline for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields; no prior knowledge or experience is required. It is open to all middle school students in the Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, and Gadsden counties.

“The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program focuses on closing the equity gap. This program addresses barriers to digital inclusion by providing the benefits of technology right into the hands of middle school students,” says Dr. Renee Gordon, TCC STEM Program Director. “Our free 4-week summer program will host 150 students from Leon, Gadsden, and surrounding counties. We are excited to have students explore design thinking, social entrepreneurship, 3D design and printing, virtual reality, and robotics. This program is a game changer and will expose our middle school students to future careers they may not have considered before.” 

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers helps to address critical roadblocks to pursuing STEM-related degrees, including disparities in access to high-quality STEM educational resources, lack of role models and a shortage of highly trained, minority STEM educators. This program increases opportunities for females and students of color—populations often under-represented in STEM fields. Additionally, the project-based learning opportunities are connected to real-world challenges and invite STEM learning, career exploration and personal development.

This program begins with a four-week in-person session this summer from June 13, 2022 to July 8, 2022, and an in-person full-day workshop at TCC in the fall and in the spring. Food and transportation for participating students will be provided!

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is part of the company’s education initiative that helps to address barriers to digital inclusion under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all.