Verizon Wireless Awards College Scholarships To Three John D. O'Bryant Seniors

BOSTON, MA — Verizon Wireless and Samsung, together with the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics & Science, today announced the results of the Rule The Air Empowerment Program.

Earlier this year, students at the John D. O’Bryant School, a leader in high school Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in Massachusetts, engaged in a series of interviews to be considered for a collaborative mobile application design program. School officials selected 21 students to participate – split among seven equal teams.

During a January 2012 visit, the teams explored the 20,000 square-foot Verizon’s LTE Experience Center in Waltham, Mass, testing many of the innovative products - from prototypes to commercial products - that leverage Verizon Wireless’ networks.

Over the next six months, Verizon Wireless executives as well as experts in career preparation delivered six workshops to the students at the John D. O’Bryant School. Topics included mobile application development, fundamentals of marketing, and interviewing and presentation skills.

Throughout the program, the teams developed concepts for mobile applications, as well as strategic marketing plans for their ideas – all using the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Leveraging mobile technology, students collaborated and shared digital content such as documents, presentations, photos and video. Samsung Mobile provided a Galaxy Tab to each student and Verizon Wireless provided free service for the duration of the program.

In May, the teams presented their final app concepts as well as marketing plans including a thirty-second commercial to a panel of judges at Verizon Wireless’ New England headquarters. Three teams were selected as finalists and online voting determined the first, second and third place rankings in June.

At a recent event at the John D. O’Bryant School, Verizon Wireless recognized all the participants with certificates and awarded the first place team three $5,000 college scholarships and summer internship opportunities with Verizon Wireless. The first, second and third place teams all received Samsung Galaxy Tabs for their efforts.

Verizon Wireless Rule the Air Empowerment Program: Final Grades

First place: Kenny Jean-Baptiste, Jie Hao Liang and Edward Martinez designed “LifeTag,” an augmented reality application integrating mobile devices, social networks and shared information, including comments and recommendations.

Second place: LuQian Chen, Huaner Li, and Xiaoyan Liang conceptualized “Fitogram,” a fashion-forward application that helps shoppers select clothing based on their body type and fit preferences – all without stepping inside a fitting room.

Third place: Raymond Chai, Aylin Garcia and Barry Wu produced “Sub App,” an app that seeks to integrate mobile payment options and real-time information into Boston’s public transportation system.

Views from Verizon Wireless, Boston Public Schools and Samsung
“It was very rewarding to follow the progression of the students from the John D. O’Bryant School throughout the mobile app design and presentation phases,” said Christine Berberich, New England president for Verizon Wireless. “They exhibited tremendous creativity in their approaches, fully leveraging the workshops and mobile technology made available to them. We are proud of all of the participants’ accomplishments and grateful to Boston Public Schools and Samsung for their partnership.”

“Through the Verizon Rule the Air Program, students gained hands-on technology and digital literacy experience, commented Melissa Dodd, Chief Information Officer, Boston Public Schools. “But the learning went beyond the technology. They developed their problem-solving, communication, collaboration and creativity skills, which are critical for success in college and beyond.” 

“Samsung is proud to be a part this fantastic project with Boston Public Schools and Verizon,” said Paul Hanton, vice president of national sales at Samsung. “It’s a great pleasure to partner with two organizations so focused on the development of these young achievers. As technology becomes a part of the learning process, and we see the results of these projects reflected in improved grades, and students excited to learn again, it reinforces to us that with the right focus we can make a difference in the community.”

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 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 the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics & Science
The John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science is a diverse, supportive community of learners that engages in a rigorous and comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program integrated with Humanities. Our college-preparatory exam school enables our students to reach their full potential and become leaders who will shape the direction of society. For more information please visit http://obryant.us/

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