The tech team at Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes (ALBA) isn’t your typical computer club. For starters, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin school is the only one of its kind in the district. The PreK to grade 8 program was created so bilingual students (Spanish- and English-speaking) could attend a fine arts program. Many computer clubs focus on software and programming. The ALBA tech team has three main responsibilities: the members repair hardware and software problems on school laptops; create daily school announcements; and create a presentation that celebrates the school’s achievements during monthly student assemblies. ALBA is part of Verizon Innovative Learning, where students are provided with devices and data plans that allow them to connect to the internet at school and at home, and educators are provided with professional development on how to integrate technology into school curricula. The Verizon program also supports the creation of school tech teams that serve as student-run IT departments, and advise teachers and students on hardware and software issues. Sonja Pupovac, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach, says tech team activities foster skills that wouldn’t be taught in typical classrooms. "Working in a tech team, you’re researching, you're finding the answer, and then you're problem-solving,” says Pupovac. So now the power lies within the student and not just within the teacher.” 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.

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