BEAVER, W.Va. (WVDN) – High school students across Southern West Virginia are stepping into the future literally, thanks to New River Community and Technical College’s new Virtual Reality (VR) Career Exploration project. This exciting initiative gives students an immersive look into dozens of high-demand careers, helping them picture what their future could look like long before graduation.
New River CTC is partnering with GEAR UP Southern West Virginia to bring this cutting-edge career exploration program to 9th- and 10th-grade students in Raleigh, Mercer, Summers, Wyoming, and Monroe counties. Students complete a short career interest inventory and then jump into realistic VR simulations, trying out different occupations from healthcare and welding to engineering, public safety, and beyond.
“This experience really opens students’ eyes,” said Tammy Mills, project lead with New River CTC. “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.”
Following the VR sessions, each student receives a personalized career pathway report that connects their interests with real career options and the education or training needed after high school. For many students, it’s the first step in confidently building their future story.
VR experiences are scheduled for this week for Wyoming East High School and Woodrow Wilson High School during the week of December 15, with more schools planned in the months ahead.
New River CTC is dedicated to strengthening the region by preparing students for well-paying careers and providing local employers with a skilled workforce. With campuses in Beaver, Ghent, Princeton, Lewisburg, and Summersville, the college offers affordable programs in healthcare, advanced technology, skilled trades, business, public safety, and more. Many programs can be completed in two years or less giving students fast access to high-demand jobs right here in West Virginia.
This VR initiative is part of New River CTC’s continued commitment to helping high school students explore career opportunities early, building excitement about their futures and boosting confidence in their next steps after graduation.
GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) prepares students for success and careers after high school by providing tools, support, and real-world experiences. Serving the classes of 2028 and 2029 in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming counties’ public schools, GEAR UP SWV also works with teachers, administrators, and families to strengthen the entire educational community.
GEAR UP SWV is a $20.3 million, 50% cost-share program led by Concord University in partnership with New River Community and Technical College. This program is part of the national Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Learn more at GEARUPSWV.org or by following GEAR UP SWV on social media.
