CAENS Summer Programs

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers

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About Us

Every student deserves access to a better future. That’s why we’ve launched the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program– an engaging, hands-on program developed to enrich learning through design thinking, 3D printing, augmented reality, social entrepreneurship, and mentorship. This program creates a more diverse pipeline for future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math).

The program is part of Verizon’s education initiative which addresses barriers to digital inclusion and is a key program under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all, aiming to reach 10M youth with digital skills training by 2030. Every student deserves access to a better future. Verizon launched the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program to empower underserved middle school students to explore STEM subjects.

The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program provides students from under-resourced middle schools with a supportive STEM-enrichment educational experience. Additionally, the program is aligned with project-based learning opportunities connected to real world challenges and invites STEM learning, career exploration, and personal development. The program is inclusive and welcomes all genders and non-binary youth. This program begins with a 3-week in-person summer session, taking place June 29 – July 27, 2025. Food and transportation will be provided!

Applications for teaching assistants/mentors (undergraduate and graduate students) and program instructors (middle and high school educators) for the 2026 summer program are now being accepted.

VIL Stem Achievers Program Information

Overview

The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program at Tuskegee University is a free, 3-week, hands-on STEM enrichment experience for middle school students. The program empowers underserved youth through design thinking, 3D printing, augmented reality, coding, social entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

As part of Verizon’s national education initiative, the program addresses digital inclusion, builds STEM confidence, and expands pathways toward STEM careers. The program is inclusive and welcomes all genders, including non-binary youth.

Program Duration

The 2026 VIL STEM Achievers Summer Program will run:

June 29 – July 17, 2026

(8:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily)

Meals, transportation, and supplies are provided at no cost to participants.

The program consists of a structured 3-week in-person STEM immersion experience.

Stipend

There is no participant fee and no stipend for middle school participants.

However, teaching assistants, mentors, and program instructors will receive compensation through the program’s hiring process.

Eligibility

The program supports 100 middle school students (rising 6th–8th graders as of August 2025) from under-resourced schools.

 

Applicants must:

• Be entering grades 6–8

• Submit a completed application and required supplemental documents

• Be interested in STEM learning, creativity, problem solving, and hands-on activities

 

All genders, including non-binary youth, are welcome.

Application Deadlines

 

Priority Deadline: May 1, 2026

Applications remain open until all seats are filled, but priority is given to those who apply by the deadline.

How to Apply

 

STEP 1 — Complete the Online Application

(Parent or guardian must complete)

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers 3-Week Summer Session Application

(Link remains the same as 2024 per instructions — DO NOT UPDATE)

STEP 2 — Submit Supplemental Documents

Recommendation Form (1 required; must NOT be a family member)

One-Page Handwritten Essay on lined paper describing educational goals and reasons for wanting to join the program

Submission Options

Fax: (334) 724-4451

Email: tuvil2018@gmail.com

Mail:

  Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program

  Tuskegee University

  204 Mary Starke Harper Hall / 110 Henderson Hall

  Tuskegee, AL 36088

Applicants are encouraged to complete the online application first; staff are available to assist if needed.

Contact Information

Lakiah Clark
Project Coordinator
Tuskegee University- CAENS
204 Mary Starke Harper Hall
Tel: (334) 724-4218
Email: tuvil2018@gmail.com

Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller
Principal Investigator & Project Director
Tuskegee University- CAENS
110 Henderson Hall
Tel: (334) 727-8403
Email: oboldentiller@tuskegee.edu

FAQs

Is the program free to attend?

Yes. The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program is completely free. Meals, transportation, supplies, and instructional materials are included at no cost.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade as of August 2025 are eligible. The program is inclusive and welcomes all genders, including non-binary youth.

Do applicants need prior STEM experience?

No. The program is designed for students at all levels, including beginners. Activities are hands-on and guided by trained instructors and mentors.

How many students can the program accept?

The 2025 program aims to enroll up to 100 middle school participants.

What documents are required for a complete application?

Applicants must submit:

  • One Recommendation Form (not from a family member)
  • One handwritten one-page essay on lined notebook paper describing educational goals and reasons for wanting to join the program
How are supplemental documents submitted?

Documents may be submitted via:

Fax: (334) 724-4451
Email: tuvil2018@gmail.com
Mail:
Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program
Tuskegee University
204 Mary Starke Harper Hall / 110 Henderson Hall
Tuskegee, AL 36088

Is transportation provided?

Yes. Transportation is provided daily for all participants as part of the program.

Are meals provided?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day during the 3-week summer program.

What are the program dates?

The 2025 summer program will run June 30 – July 18, 2025, Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily.

Can returning students participate again?

Yes. Returning students may be considered if space is available and the updated application is submitted.

Can parents or guardians get help completing the application?

Yes. Program staff are available to assist families in completing the online application and gathering supplemental documents.

Who can I contact for more information?

Tuskegee University Leadership Team

Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller – Program Director
Lakiah Clark – Program Coordinator

Tuskegee University
204 Mary Starke Harper Hall / 110 Henderson Hall
Tuskegee, AL 36088

Tel: (334) 724-4605 or (334) 727-8564
Fax: (334) 724-4451
Email: tuvil2018@gmail.com

Participating Institutions

This program is hosted on-site at Tuskegee University as part of Verizon’s national STEM Achievers network.

Other Summer Programs

Tuskegee university has various summer program. CLICK HERE for more information.