Virtual Reality, Real Futures: North Dakota's RUReady.ND Launches Statewide Initiative for Virtual Reality Career Exploration
The North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education (NDCTE) is excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing career exploration for students through its existing RUReady.ND career exploration platform. Thanks to a funding commitment by the State of North Dakota's 68th Legislative Assembly, we’re bringing the engaging world of virtual reality (VR) career exploration to every middle and high school student across the state. The selected platform, CareerViewXR, was developed by North Dakota startup, Be More Colorful, and consists of a growing library of immersive experiences featuring in-demand occupations filmed at employer locations around the state. The integration of the CareerViewXR platform into RUReady.ND begins this fall.
CareerViewXR is a cutting-edge immersive media and VR career exploration platform designed to give students a first-hand glimpse into various career paths by immersing them in 360-degree virtual tours and virtual reality video experiences. This platform is a crucial component of a statewide initiative aimed at empowering nearly 60,000 middle and high school students across 300+ public and private schools with the knowledge they need to make informed career decisions.
Wayde Sick, Director of NDCTE, says, "North Dakota Career and Technical Education provides resources to schools that are an integral part of career development. We are excited to continue to enhance the career exploration and planning experience for our students by incorporating CareerViewXR into the RUReady.ND.gov platform. Now, North Dakota students in grades 6-12 will have access to virtual reality experiences that will help them make informed career decisions."
Eddie Monnier, CEO of XAP Corporation, the developer of RUReady.ND, also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We're thrilled to welcome Be More Colorful's innovative virtual reality career exploration into RUReady.ND. This integration will empower North Dakota's students to vividly envision their futures, an important step in our Discover, Plan, Achieve framework. Together, we are furthering the Department of Career and Technical Education's vision for delivering career awareness, work readiness skills, and occupational preparation to the citizens of North Dakota."
Thanks to the legislature's financial backing, the platform comes completely free of charge for all middle and high schools in North Dakota, including private schools. Unlike other VR platforms, CareerViewXR does not require the use of VR headsets. Students across the state will have the ease of exploring careers through a series of interactive web-based tours, whether on their laptops, tablets, phones, or other school-issued devices. Schools that have invested in VR hardware can also dive into the VR experience.
For schools looking to obtain VR headset hardware, multiple funding opportunities are available, including: Perkins, ESSER, and REAP funding. The collaboration between Be More Colorful/CareerViewXR, RUReady.ND (powered by XAP), NDCTE, and other strategic partners will enable a smooth rollout and implementation of the platform, ensuring schools receive the support and resources needed for success.
Matt Chaussee, CEO and Co-Founder of Be More Colorful and CareerViewXR, expressed his gratitude, saying, "The support of the state legislature has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedication to investing in the future of our students by making VR career exploration accessible to all North Dakota middle and high schools is a testament to their foresight and commitment to innovative education. Together with RUReady.ND's proven framework, NDCTE's statewide influence, and alongside our committed strategic partners, we are shaping a brighter, more informed future for our students and our state."
With a phased rollout in RUReady.ND beginning this fall, North Dakota Career and Technical Education is doubling down on its steadfast commitment to innovation in career exploration and planning. Our mission is clear: to help students make informed career decisions that set them on the right path earlier in their educational journey.
For more information about North Dakota Career and Technical Education, CareerViewXR, and the RUReady.ND platform, please visit RUReady.ND.gov.
Contact:
Wayde Sick, State Director & Executive Officer | 701-328-3180 | wasick@nd.gov
NDCTE | 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 270 Bismarck | ND 58505
Phone: (701) 328-3180 | www.cte.nd.gov