Ivy Tech Engages Students in Career Exploration through VR Experiences

The cutting-edge initiative is aimed at providing students with immersive, hands-on experiences at the Lawrenceburg & Batesville campuses.

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(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Ivy Tech Community College is harnessing the immersive experience provided by virtual reality headsets to introduce middle-school and high-school students to various career fields, enhancing their understanding and engagement.

In collaboration with leading immersive learning startup TRANSFR, Ivy Tech’s Lawrenceburg/Batesville Service Area has developed a VR-based career exploration program that empowers the college to introduce students in local K-12 schools to in-demand career areas. Students virtually step into different job roles and environments, enabling them to gain practical insights and skills in a risk-free, interactive setting.

The VR headsets offer simulations in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and more. Ivy Tech purchased the headsets with funds from the Lilly Endowment Youth Programs on Campus initiative.

The virtual reality headsets provide an experiential learning opportunity for students on campus and in the classroom. Ivy Tech’s K-14 team uses the headsets to offer real-world, hands-on career awareness in a variety of program areas that Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg/Batesville offers. The virtual reality headsets allow the K-14 team to share program information, have students engage in completing jobs or skills, and then build program awareness throughout students’ high school years.

The cutting-edge initiative is aimed at providing students with immersive, hands-on experiences. By experiencing day-to-day tasks and challenges in these professions, students can make more informed decisions about their career paths.

This initiative aligns with Ivy Tech's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and career readiness

“Ivy Tech is dedicated to leveraging the latest technologies to enhance our students' learning experiences," said Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg/Batesville Chancellor Mark Graver. "The integration of VR in our career exploration programs is a testament to our commitment to innovation and preparing our students for the future workforce.”