Cleveland

Verizon Partners with Cleveland State University to Launch Innovative Community Learning Center Targeting Education and Economic Growth

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Published on April 19, 2025
Verizon Partners with Cleveland State University to Launch Innovative Community Learning Center Targeting Education and Economic GrowthSource: Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

A new Verizon Community Forward Learning Center was unveiled at Cleveland State University (CSU) to further bridge the digital divide and enhance educational opportunities. According to an announcement from CSU, this initiative aims to boost access to advanced technology and credentialing programs for a wide spectrum of learners.

The Learning Center, nestled in CSU's Julka Hall, has expanded its traditional role of providing complimentary support to K-12 students by incorporating cutting-edge resources that now cater to the needs of adult learners, college attendees, and local small business operators. CSU Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Nigamanth Sridhar said in a statement obtained by CSU, "The Verizon Community Forward Learning Center is bringing immense value to Northeast Ohio." He underscored the synergetic efforts of JumpStart's programming expertise fused with CSU's investment in community education.

The center, the third of its kind under the Verizon Community Forward initiative, builds on the successful operations of two other Cleveland-area technology hubs. JumpStart CEO Julie Jacono highlighted the importance of the expansion in a press release: "Together, we are doubling down on technology, expertise, and community-focused programming to meet the evolving needs of students, residents and entrepreneurs across Northeast Ohio."

Key offerings of the new center include technology-driven education to support STEM learning for youth, workforce development programs designed to readily provide credentials and upskill participants, and entrepreneurial support aimed at empowering small business owners. T