NEW CARROLLTON, MD—Charles Carroll Middle School received a $40,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation on Wednesday to launch the Innovative Learning Schools program, designed to creatively engage students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Teachers will receive training this week by the International Society for Technology in Education to enhance their professional development.

"This grant through Verizon is an example of what a business community can do to promote the integration of technology and curriculum within all schools in Prince George's County,” said Dr. Debra Mahone, Title I Director. “It will build upon the mobile learning environment in Charles Carroll Middle School as well as equip students and teachers with leading-edge strategies and skills for the future."

“It’s exciting for a large corporation like Verizon to make an investment in our teachers and students,” said principal David Curry Jr. “It is our desire to do all that we can to provide rigorous instruction that will prepare students for global opportunities.”

Charles Carroll is one of four middle schools in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) participating in the Transforming Education through Digital Learning (TEDL) project. The project aims to create digital learning environments that allow students to create, distribute, access and collaborate using the highest levels of technology. Each student uses an iPad as a learning tool and has access to MacBook laptops. Teachers have both iPads and MacBook Pro laptops to increase effectiveness and professional growth, and to assess student achievement.

Charles Carroll is one of 12 Verizon Innovative Learning Schools nationwide.