Cornerstone Schools Opened First Michigan Tech Lab

The new learning space at Adams-Young Middle School features advanced robotics, 3-D printing, and augmented reality tools.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Distance Learning

Cornerstone Schools Opened First Michigan Tech Lab

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Cornerstone Schools launched the state’s first Verizon Innovative Learning Lab at Adams-Young Middle School in Detroit. The facility replaces older standard computing equipment with modern technology to help students develop coding and wiring skills.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to increase student access to high-tech tools, preparing them for future high-paying career paths in innovation fields. It provides a specialized environment for developing technical competencies that traditional computer labs lack.

The new lab replaces a previous space equipped only with standard computers. It currently supports a school tech team of 30 students who are learning coding and wiring skills.

The players

Verizon

Verizon is a global telecommunications company that provided the funding and equipment for the initiative.

Adams-Young Middle School

Adams-Young Middle School is a Detroit educational institution that serves as the site of the new learning lab.

Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy

Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy is an educational facility selected as a future site for the program.

Cornerstone Washington-Parks Academy

Cornerstone Washington-Parks Academy is an educational facility selected as a future site for the program.

The details

Students at Adams-Young Middle School now have access to 3-D printing, augmented reality, and robotics equipment funded by Verizon. The space is designed to facilitate hands-on learning for critical modern technology skills.

October 14, 2026: School leaders and students held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new lab.

Culture Shift

This lab launch follows the pattern set by the Verizon Innovative Learning program to integrate advanced technology into community school environments. It reflects a broader shift toward equipping students with specialized technical expertise to bridge the digital divide.

Students at Adams-Young Middle School now have immediate access to cutting-edge tools that were previously unavailable in their standard computer lab. This installation serves as a preview for families at Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy and Cornerstone Washington-Parks Academy.

The takeaway

Hands-on experience with modern robotics and coding tools is critical for student preparation in a tech-driven economy. Schools are increasingly prioritizing these specialized labs to ensure students remain competitive in the future job market.