Play Higher Pioneers - Wave 1
In spring 2025, 15 applicants were selected as "wave 1" Play Higher Pioneers and were awarded a free Meta Quest virtual reality headset pre-loaded with the Play Higher game "Social Work Simulation" and several other relevant applications. Those wave 1 awardees will deliver the Play Higher game experience to their students starting in August 2025. Approximately 750 students will be reached each academic year until 2028. For those selected Play Higher Pioneers in wave 1, there were zoom-based and self-paced training modules to learn about how to use virtual reality for career and behavioral health education (see below for details and links).
Wave 1 Sites and Awardees
- Wood County Christian College and Career Readiness (Williamstown, WV): Naddine Border, Teacher
- Beckley Center School (Beckley, WV): Christine Buckland, School Counselor
- Weir High School (Weirton, WV): Natalie Charlton, School Counselor
Play Higher Pioneers - Wave 2
In "wave 2", sign-up is continuously open to any interested applicants who wish to bring the game to their setting and already have (or can purchase) a Meta Quest headset.
Sign-up for wave 2 Play Higher Pioneers
Webinars and Training
For those selected Play Higher Pioneers in wave 1, there were zoom-based and self-paced
training modules to learn about how to use virtual reality for career and behavioral
health education.
Webinar Recordings
- Session 1 (recorded live): Introduction and Orientation
- Session 2 (asynchronous learning): Training modules
Research & Surveys
Students will complete a pre-post survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the game. View the student survey here. Parents permission form is available here.