Verizon and Interior partner to enhance digital and cultural literacy for Native American students

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Nov 19, 2015, 11:24 ET

WINSLOW, Ariz., Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon and the U.S. Department of the Interior have partnered to connect more than 1,000 Native American students at ten Bureau of Indian Education managed dormitories with high-speed wireless service, tablets and digital programs to engage students in both STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects and their cultural heritage.

The initiative is part of Verizon's ongoing support of the Native American community and its commitment to President Obama's ConnectED program.

"Mobile technology puts learning in kids' hands, gives them the freedom to create, to problem solve and collaborate – critical skills for the digital future," said Rose Kirk, chief corporate social responsibility officer at Verizon.

"We are pleased to provide Native American students with the access and tools to thrive."

"This exciting partnership helps ensure students continue learning after they leave the classroom," said Secretary Jewell, who outlined the partnership during the President's seventh White House Tribal Nations Conference earlier this month. "Access to today's technology and wireless Internet are important parts of the equation as we work to assist tribal communities in providing students with a high-quality and culturally-relevant education. I applaud Microsoft and Verizon for their commitment to remove education barriers for Native American students."

Wireless broadband connectivity
To ensure the dormitory students have access to broadband technology and the critical tools needed to build skills for the digital future, Verizon has installed enhanced network infrastructure at the dormitories.

Verizon is already providing wireless broadband connectivity at eight of the ten dormitory locations, and expects to complete the project this year.

Additionally, the company will provide two years of free wireless data service to the students living in:

Aztec Dormitory, Aztec, NM;
Blackfeet Dormitory, Browning MT;
Chickasaw Children's Village, Kingston, OK;
Eufaula Dormitory, Eufaula, OK;
Jicarilla Dormitory, Dulce, NM;
Kinlani Bordertown Dormitory, Flagstaff, AZ;
Richfield Residential Hall, Richfield, UT;
Sicangu Owayawa Oti (Rosebud Dorm), Mission, SD;
Tiisyaatin Residential Hall (Holbrook Dormitory ), Holbrook, AZ;
Winslow Residential Hall, Winslow, AZ.

Tablets and training
In conjunction with Verizon, Microsoft is providing the students with wireless 10-inch Nokia Lumia 2520 tablets that run the Windows RT operating system – which will run on broadband service from Verizon at no cost for up to two years. Microsoft donated two years of Office 365, which is the enabling technology that offers students the ability to collaborate, communicate and demonstrate flexibility in how they solve problems in order to thrive and achieve their goals.

"Microsoft's key mission is empowering every student to achieve more, and the primary motivation to partner with Verizon and the Bureau of Indian Education on such an incredible project," said Microsoft Regional Vice President North America, Traci Jovanovic.

The students began receiving their wireless devices and training during the current 2015-2016 school year.

In addition, to enhance the learning experience and adoption of technology, Verizon partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) in conjunction with Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian Country to provide training and curriculum resources though a generous grant. The technology and resources will be used to preserve and uplift Native Cultures as each location chooses.

Verizon and BGCA are providing ongoing comprehensive solutions including software, services & support; learning and classroom management applications; and application development training, and math and language arts enrichment.

"We are fortunate and honored to partner with Verizon to bring access and resources to native youth on Native lands," said Carla Knapp, National Director of Native Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "For more than two decades, BGCA has partnered with Native communities across the country. Partnerships like these help to strengthen and support these communities with such rich traditions, history and culture."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) employs a diverse workforce of 177,900 and generated more than $127 billion in 2014 revenues. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 110.8 million retail connections nationwide. Headquartered in New York, Verizon also provides communications and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/news/.

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SOURCE Verizon