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College of Behavioral and Community Sciences

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Speaker at info session

Christine Hugh, co-principal investigator and co-project director, answered questions from attendees during the training program information session.

Virtual reality job training program hosts info session for potential students

Participant tests VR system

Information session attendees took part in virtual reality headset demonstrations.

A new workforce training initiative aimed at individuals with disabilities is preparing for its first cohort this August, combining cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to prepare participants for careers in skilled trades.

The program, (DIVE-VRT), held an information session on June 18 for prospective students, families, and professionals. Attendees received an inside look at the training model, including live VR headset demonstrations, and an opportunity to meet the team behind the project.

Funded by a $9.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Disability Innovation Fund, DIVE-VRT offers no-cost, immersive training to individuals with disabilities interested in entering the skilled trades workforce.

DIVE-VRT information session participant uses tools during demo

Potential program participants also met the project team and tested training equipment.

Beginning in August, the inaugural cohort will focus on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) training. Participants will engage in virtual simulations, applied learning experiences, apprenticeships, and personalized job coaching — all designed to support successful employment outcomes.

The project brings together successful components from at the ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏ (USF) and the virtual reality experts at VRG Learning Institute's DIVE program. Other organizations involved in this project include USF's Innovative Education department and the .

The deadline to apply for the August cohort is July 3. All applicants will be invited to attend an information and demonstration session in July.

For more information or to apply, visit the .

The contents of this article were developed under a grant number H421F240044 from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221e-3 and 3474) 

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The Mission of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) is to advance knowledge through interdisciplinary teaching, research, and service that improves the capacity of individuals, families, and diverse communities to promote productive, satisfying, healthy, and safe lives across the lifespan. CBCS envisions the college as a globally recognized leader that creates innovative solutions to complex conditions that affect the behavior and well-being of individuals, families, and diverse communities.