“Being a part of this program really showed me how important it is to work with teams to solve real-world issues, because nobody can do it alone.”

— Miles Davis, Howard University program attendee

See Miles’ story

“When I did the program, I was like, ‘Wow! Science is important. I do need to learn this.’ I finished my eighth-grade year barely passing science. I didn’t feel confident, so I’d forget it. But after this program, I wanted to learn all the STEM stuff. Now, I earn As and Bs across the board.”

— Cerenity Brant, South Arkansas Community College program attendee

“The Verizon Innovative Learning program prepared me for where I am now by introducing and developing skills such as time management and problem-solving — both essential for success in STEM and beyond. I would tell students interested in participating that it is extremely beneficial, as it introduces topics and skills that they will not be exposed to otherwise.”

— Grace Lester, Big Sandy Community and Technical College program attendee

See Grace’s story

“The various open-ended projects given by the program allowed me to develop critical thinking in areas I never would have. I started to think, ‘If I could do this on a small scale, imagine what could be done with more.’ The program’s insight into STEM careers piqued my interest as well; it made me realize that innovation was the future, and the best way I could make an impact on my community and my nation was through diving deeper into the world of engineering… I’ve gone on to getting my Private Pilot License, interning at [a major defense contractor] on the F-22 project, and now am joining a project to create and manufacture a CubeSAT (small satellite) through the Naval Academy.”

— Aram Hayrapetyan, Morgan State University program attendee

Aram is now majoring in aerospace engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy.

“Before I attended the camp, I was never introduced to the world of engineering and what it could do for me and more importantly the future. Eventually I plan on becoming an environmentalist, something along the lines of a consultant, geologist, or water treatment.”

— Tyson Hammond, Morgan State University program attendee

Tyson is studying environmental engineering at Kennesaw State University.

“My mentor taught me how not to be scared of making mistakes. That’s something I still carry with me today.”

— Zion Braddy, Central State University program attendee

“One big thing I remember from the [program] was that every morning there would be a new, accomplished woman to talk to us and tell us what her career journey had been like and the obstacles she has had to face. I have always remembered the impact that [guest speakers] had on me. Having those role models really solidified to me that I can have a career in STEM, and gave me the confidence to go to college, since I am a first-generation student, to accomplish those goals.”

— Danielle Amos, Patrick Henry Community College program attendee

Danielle is double-majoring in biology and anthropology with a concentration in medical anthropology on a pre-med track at the University of Virginia.

“It was a very life-changing experience. I got to learn a lot of stuff I never learned before in my life that still helps me to this day. We got to learn how to code, how to do CAD, 3D printing. My mentor from the Verizon [program] was Maxwell. I could relate to him. I really like football, and him playing football in college while being an engineering major made me think I can also do the same thing.”

— Mekhi Burgess, Clark Atlanta University program attendee

See Mekhi’s story

“The program opened my understanding of technology, but also had a significant impact on my social development. When I first arrived, I was quite reserved, but the experience helped me out of my shell a bit and to explore my chosen career path more deeply.”

— Ricky Richardson, North Carolina A&T State University program attendee

Ricky is pursuing an automotive engineering technology degree at North Carolina A&T State University.

“Before the program, I definitely didn’t know about other career possibilities in STEM. It 100% helped my path up to now.”

— Ravion Lightfoot, Jackson State University program attendee

Ravion is now at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

See Ravion’s story

“I feel as if Verizon Innovative Learning had a great impact on my life and that it opened up the doors to STEM for me. I joined the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in seventh grade after doing the program in sixth and seventh grade and I am now President of the Martinsville-Henry County chapter and I actually just spoke at NSBE’s Golden Torch Awards ceremony after winning NSBE’s Pre-Collegiate Female Student of the Year Award!”

— Destiny Johnson, Patrick Henry Community College program attendee

Destiny is attending the University of Virginia this fall and majoring in neuroscience.

“Being exposed to engineering through extracurriculars like the Verizon Innovative Learning summer program helped me find a passion for engineering. Through these programs, I was introduced to the idea of combining both engineering and medicine in Biomedical Engineering (BME), and I have been on that journey ever since.

— Chloe Taylor, Patrick Henry Community College program attendee

Chloe is studying biomedical engineering on a pre-med track at Virginia Commonwealth University.

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