A new chapter in learning is underway at Cornerstone Schools—and students are ready to lead the way.
Cornerstone recently celebrated the opening of Verizon Innovative Learning Labs at Adams-Young Middle School, Jefferson-Douglass Academy and Washington-Parks Academy. Selected through a competitive application process, the three schools are the first in Detroit and Michigan to receive these Verizon-funded learning spaces.
Students, educators, community leaders and program partners gathered at Adams-Young Middle School for a ribbon-cutting celebration and a firsthand look at the technology now available to students. The event also drew media coverage, capturing students’ enthusiasm for the new opportunities.
From using technology to creating with it
The fully outfitted Labs give students access to virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, programming and robotics. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students can use these tools to explore ideas, test solutions and develop their creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
For student Skylar P., the importance of technology is clear: “It’s the future right now,” she said.
These new spaces build on a partnership that began in 2023, when the same three Cornerstone schools became Detroit’s first Verizon Innovative Learning Schools. That program provided students and teachers with devices and connectivity, along with professional development and technology support.
The Labs take that foundation further, creating dedicated spaces where students can become designers, builders and problem-solvers.
From using technology to creating with it
The fully outfitted Labs give students access to virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, programming and robotics. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students can use these tools to explore ideas, test solutions and develop their creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
For student Skylar P., the importance of technology is clear: “It’s the future right now,” she said.
These new spaces build on a partnership that began in 2023, when the same three Cornerstone schools became Detroit’s first Verizon Innovative Learning Schools. That program provided students and teachers with devices and connectivity, along with professional development and technology support.
The Labs take that foundation further, creating dedicated spaces where students can become designers, builders and problem-solvers.
Curiosity is growing
Principal Artina Tyus is already seeing students respond, describing the transformation from a small computer space to a Lab that is generating growing interest in technology.
“Everyone wants to be in the tech team,” she exclaimed. “We’ve got more than 30 students in it now.”
Student Lorenzo M. also shared how working with technology rewards practice and persistence—learning that grows as students keep trying, studying and doing.
That willingness to experiment is central to the Lab experience. Students have opportunities to work through challenges, learn from their attempts and discover what they can accomplish together.
A partnership that supports students and teachers
Verizon funded the Labs in partnership with Heart of America and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University.
Heart of America leads the transformation of the learning spaces in collaboration with school teams. Arizona State University provides project-based curriculum, teacher training and ongoing support, helping educators connect the technology to meaningful student learning.
Brianna Fritz, Verizon’s head of government and community affairs in Michigan, emphasized the opportunity for students to become “creators, thinkers, and innovators.”
For Cornerstone, this investment opens new possibilities across three school communities. With technology, trained educators and committed partners supporting them, students have more opportunities to turn their curiosity into ideas—and their ideas into something they can create and share.
Watch WXYZ-TV’s Coverage