New River Community and Technical College partners with GEAR UP Southern West Virginia for Virtual Reality Career Exploration project

New River Community and Technical College has partnered with GEAR UP Southern West Virginia for a new Virtual Reality Career Exploration project. The project will give high school students in five southern West Virginia counties the opportunity to experience several high-demand careers for themselves, all before graduating high school or stepping foot into a real workplace.

According to an article on New River Community and Technical College’s website, Tammy Mills, who serves as the lead of the Virtual Reality Career Exploration project, was quoted as saying, “This experience really opens students’ eyes. Instead of just reading about careers, they actually step into them. They can perform tasks, explore new environments, and discover opportunities they may have never considered. It empowers students to dream big and plan ahead.”

Students in 9th and 10th grade in Raleigh, Mercer, Summers, Wyoming, and Monroe counties will be able to take part in this career exploration opportunity beginning the week of December 15, with more sessions planned for the near future. Students will take a career interest survey and then will be able to immerse themselves in virtual reality simulations for in-demand careers like healthcare, welding, engineering, public safety, and more. After completing the simulations, students will receive a report that matches their interests to the types of careers they would be suited for, as well as the outline of pathways that will get them into those careers.

GEAR UP Southern West Virginia is itself a partnership between Concord University and New River Community and Technical College that aims to help prepare students for careers and higher education, as well as work with educators and families to strengthen the entire community’s commitment to education.

For more information about New River Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.