Mid-America Technology Center (MATC) has been awarded the Carl Perkins Career Development and Programs of Study Innovation Grant, securing $100,000 in funding over two years to launch an Interactive Career Exploration Experience.

The initiative is designed to revolutionize career awareness, exploration, and planning by integrating cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology into MATC’s existing career exploration programs.

MATC will receive $50,000 in the first year, followed by an additional $50,000 in the second year. These funds will be used to purchase 25 VR headsets, providing unlimited access to a variety of training simulations, for students, instructors, and trainees.

The innovative licensing model offers significant flexibility, allowing unlimited users per license without increasing costs as more individuals participate.

The primary goal of this initiative is to offer students an immersive experience in career exploration. With the addition of VR headsets, MATC aims to provide students with a virtual glimpse into the careers they are interested in, significantly enhancing the career exploration activities that are already in place.

Currently, MATC hosts career fairs for eighth graders, campus tours for ninth graders, and program-specific activities for 10th graders.

The integration of VR technology will add a new dimension to these efforts. Sophomore students will greatly benefit from virtual reality visits, which will be incorporated into their career decision-making process.

These visits will provide them with virtual experiences across various career pathways, offering a more comprehensive understanding of their potential futures.

Moreover, MATC plans to extend these VR experiences beyond its campus. The technology will be used in the classrooms of partner schools, enabling students to explore careers of interest in a virtual environment.

This initiative is expected to greatly enhance the existing career exploration activities and provide a more engaging and informative experience for students.

The VR headsets will also serve as a valuable tool for professional development among partner school staff. Educators will have the opportunity to engage in virtual experiences that showcase the programs available at MATC.

This not only helps to establish and maintain positive relationships between MATC and partner schools but also ensures that staff are well-informed and able to guide students toward appropriate career paths.

This collaboration between MATC and the partner schools will help students explore a wide range of careers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their futures.

The decision to integrate VR technology into MATC’s programs is supported by research showing the effectiveness of VR in career and technical education (CTE).

For example, in 2021, West Alabama Works (WAW) and Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) partnered with Transfer, a VR platform, to provide immersive career exploration experiences for students. This initiative led to a significant increase in CTE enrollment, with an 18 percent increase in participation after students engaged in VR-based career exploration.

Another study involving Charles Henderson High School, Lockheed Martin, and AIDT demonstrated that 80 percent of participants found VR training to be more engaging than traditional methods. The study also reported an average increase of 8.6 percent in participant scores from pre-test to post-test, underscoring the potential of VR to enhance learning outcomes.

With the support of the Carl Perkins Grant, MATC is poised to lead the way in innovative career exploration.

The introduction of VR technology will not only provide students with a more engaging and informative experience but also pave the way for future advancements in career and technical education.

As MATC continues to implement this technology, the tech center anticipates positive outcomes that will benefit students, educators, and partner schools.