The VERIZON Innovative Learning Program accepts 100 minority middle school males, 80% of whom qualify for free/reduced lunch in the surrounding school districts. The objectives for the program are to have students apply critical thinking skills to the engineering design process, be able to apply soft skills such as collaboration and communication to the production of presentations/pitches, be able to identify various careers in STEM, and increase their interest in science and mathematics. Through participation in this program more than 90% of the young men have developed an increased interest in STEM subjects, STEM careers, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the young men showed academic performance and engagement in school.