Museum Initiative

In partnership with Verizon, NYC Media Lab is thrilled to enter the next phase of the 5G EdTech Challenge program by launching the $1M Museum Initiative — a nationwide open call for museums and cultural institutions to develop and offer new educational content on the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ portal.

In an effort to expand Verizon Innovative Learning HQ’s library of curricular applications, the Museum Initiative aims to connect with museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, and cultural institutions that are able to showcase new edtech approaches that weave together physical and digital experiences.

As a result, the Museum Initiative will allow these organizations to reach new audiences by supporting the development of virtual, immersive experiences that can be blended into hybrid physical experiences and/or exhibits in their respective spaces.

• About the Museum Initiative: Nationwide open call for museums, science centers, aquariums, zoos, and cultural institutions to develop and offer new edtech content on the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ portal.

  More specifically, the Museum Initiative aims to: 1) draw new content on the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ portal that bridges physical exhibits, immersive experiences, and remote learning; 2) offer immersive, personalized, remote experiences of learning-based physical, in-museum exhibits on the portal; and 3) offer remote and in-person visitors with learning materials and supplementary lessons on the portal.

• Educational Goals of the Museum Initiative: The educational topics covered in curricula offered by museums, science centers, aquariums, zoos, and cultural institutions are intended to reflect a broad range of possibilities, but shall be guided to support teachers, improve educational outcomes, and/or increase student engagement.

• Benefits of the Museum Initiative: Over the course of the multi-phase program that runs through December 2022, participating institutions will have access to: 1) 5G edtech expert and practitioner teams who are currently part of the program; 2) educators, students, parents, and communities across the country; 3) creative technologists and experts in immersive and cutting-edge tech; and 4) stakeholders from the NYC Media Lab and Verizon networks.

  Additionally, participating institutions will gain exposure and access to a nationwide audience through the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ portal; drive museum exposure; and expand curricular content expertise within cultural organizations.

• Who’s Eligible to Apply: Museums, cultural institutions, science centers, aquariums, and zoos

• Funding: Up to 10 institutions will be awarded up to $100,000 per organization

• Application Deadline: Applications are no longer being accepted

• Museum Initiative Timeline: April through December 2022

Questions? Contact NYC Media Lab Associate Director Abran Maldonado at edtech@nycmedialab.org.