Cal State LA Honors 200 Students in Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program
Los Angeles, CA — On July 11, 2025, California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) hosted a graduation ceremony for 200 middle school students who completed the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program. The event took place at the Golden Eagle Ballroom and attracted around 600 family and friends, celebrating the students’ accomplishments over the course of this transformative initiative.
Now in its ninth year, the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program continues to make a significant impact by providing a free, immersive three-week educational experience for incoming sixth- through eighth-grade students from the surrounding communities. Funded by the Verizon Foundation, the program focuses on hands-on learning experiences in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Participants of the program were exposed to a range of modern technologies that included augmented and virtual reality, 3D printing and design, robotics, and coding, activities geared towards fostering a deep interest in STEM subjects. Jessica Morales-Chicas, the program director, highlighted the critical need for engaging educational approaches in STEM. “STEM subjects oftentimes don’t get taught in a hands-on way in schools. Students don’t see them as being relevant to their future,” she stated. “We offer hands-on learning—students are manipulating robots, they’re learning code… That engagement is really critical.”
This year, more than 600 applications were received for the program, demonstrating its popularity and demand. The structure of the curriculum was meticulously aligned with 21st-century career pathways and delivered by credentialed STEM instructors, complemented by mentorship opportunities from Cal State LA undergraduate and graduate students.
Parents expressed gratitude for the program’s impact on their children. Juan Bobadilla, whose two children participated, remarked, “My kids didn’t know much about STEM, but now they know what it’s about and maybe in the future they can go that route.”
The graduation ceremony featured project demonstrations created by the students, along with personal testimonials that highlighted their experiences. Emily, one of the participants, expressed enthusiasm about attending classes in a college environment, stating, “I really enjoyed being part of the program and having the opportunity to explore the Cal State LA campus.” Another student, Anthony, articulated his newfound passion for robotics and described the program as “helpful, inspiring, and motivating.”
Morales-Chicas emphasized the program’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, particularly for families predominantly of Latinx and lower-income backgrounds from East Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District. “The biggest gap is the lack of opportunities for engagement, innovation, and access,” she explained. The initiative goes beyond just providing technology; it empowers students to understand technology’s creation and potential for social entrepreneurship.
Initially launched as a boys-only program, the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program transitioned to a co-educational format five years ago. Morales-Chicas noted that many former participants have gone on to pursue careers in STEM fields, and some return to serve as mentors, helping to inspire and guide future generations.
Eric Apodaca, who was part of the inaugural cohort at age ten, now serves as a mentor himself. He reflects on his experience, sharing, “It’s nice to see one of my students find a passion for what he does,” illustrating the program’s lasting impact.
As this community-based initiative continues to thrive, it reinforces the importance of fostering early interest and participation in STEM fields among underrepresented youth, contributing to a more inclusive future in technology and innovation.
