WARREN, N.J., March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- [ Verizon Wireless ], provider of the largest and most reliable 3G network, as well as the fastest and most advanced 4G LTE network in America, announced that it is continuing a career development program launched last year with the Newark Innovation Academy (NIA) that will deploy wireless technology to the educational curricula of several high schools in the district. Most of the program will be facilitated on the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ using Edmodo's free Android App, an online social learning network for education. A series of bi-weekly workshops will also be conducted by Verizon Wireless employees, designed to inspire students to pursue higher education and assist them in career planning.

The Newark Innovation Academy, with the help of Verizon Wireless, conducted a series of comprehensive interviews and selected 12 senior students to participate in the program, which runs through June. Verizon Wireless employees have volunteered to teach two-hour workshop sessions every other week that focus on how to successfully choose the right college and career path. The goal is to educate students about higher education options, financial aid and the importance of having a career path.

"Giving back to the community is a top priority for Verizon Wireless," said Fernando Molinar, Associate Director of Multicultural Marketing for Verizon Wireless, Northeast. "This program fulfills our goals on several levels; it teaches students about technology, opens them to experiences they wouldn't ordinarily have, and drives home the importance of continuing their education."

During the program, the participating students will also work on a team project that will focus on developing a strategic marketing plan for the Samsung Galaxy Tab. The project will help them develop real-life experience and provide key learnings about pricing, promotion and the importance of creating a positive customer experience. Students will also record a 30 second commercial using the video feature on the Galaxy Tab. Samsung Mobile will provide a Galaxy Tab to each student and Verizon Wireless will provide free service for the duration of the program. The project will be performed using Edmodo's Android App, which offers a secure place where educators and students can collaborate and share digital content such as documents, presentations, pictures and video.

"This program was very satisfying for us last year, and we're excited to continue," said Todd Pendleton, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung. "Aside from being a premier mobile lifestyle and communication device, the Tab is also well-suited for educational purposes and gives us the opportunity to use our technology to help students succeed both in their education and livelihoods."

At the end of the program, a panel of judges from Verizon Wireless will select the top three finalists of the four-month project and a public vote will determine first, second and third place winners. At the NIA Graduation Commencement Ceremony, Verizon will recognize the winners, all of whom will receive a Samsung Galaxy Tab for their efforts. In addition, the company will sponsor the first-place winner with a $5,000 scholarship and a summer internship opportunity at a Verizon Wireless store location.

For more information on Verizon Wireless, please visit [ www.verizonwireless.com ] or call 1-800-2-JOIN IN. Follow us on Twitter at [ https://twitter.com/vzwdavid ].

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: [ VZ ]) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit [ www.verizonwireless.com ]. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at [ www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia ].

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit [ www.samsungwireless.com ].

About Edmodo

With more than 1 million users and growing, Edmodo is the world's fastest growing social learning network, providing a free and secure social networking platform for teachers, students and school administrators. Edmodo offers schools a safe and easy way to connect and collaborate, offering a real-time platform to exchange ideas, share content, and access homework, grades and school notices. Accessible from any networked or mobile device via free smart phone applications, Edmodo is the social learning network made for teachers by teachers.

CONTACT:
David Samberg
914-329-5429
[ david.samberg@verizonwireless.com ]
[ https://twitter.com/vzwdavid ]

Sarah Sigro
212-367-9757
[ sarah@crenshawcomm.com ]
[ http://twitter.com/crenshawcomm ]

SOURCE Verizon Wireless

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Verizon Wireless Continues Career Development Program With the Newark Innovation Academy

Verizon Wireless Continues Career Development Program With the Newark Innovation Academy