Ed-Tech Policy News in Brief

Technology Giants, Startup Give Millions for Devices, Training, and Supplies

By Sarah Schwartz & Alix Mammina — April 10, 2018 1 min read
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Verizon Innovative Learning pledged more than $200 million last week to furnish technology, teacher training, and internet connectivity in K-12 schools.

With the new funding, Verizon plans to expand the number of in-school programs from 100 to 200 by the end of 2020.

Also last week, Amazon announced it would put $50 million toward online Advanced Placement computer science courses, college scholarships, and student internships.

Only the week before, cryptocurrency startup Ripple gave $29 million to finance every open education campaign on the crowdfunding platform DonorsChoose.org—benefiting nearly 30,000 teachers and approximately 1 million students across the country.

The donation will fulfill teachers’ requests for books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more. Founded in 2012, Ripple uses blockchain technology to help banks and financial institutions make global payments.

A version of this article appeared in the April 11, 2018 edition of Education Week as Technology Giants, Startup Give Millions for Devices, Training, and Supplies

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