A Q&A with Jackie Smalls, Senior VP Learning Experience Team at Transfr.
As educators prepare for another school year, one question students pose often continues to echo through hallways and classrooms every year: “When will I ever use this?” Whether it’s Newton’s law in physics or how to solve for a mathematical equation, students crave real-world connections to make sense of their learning.
This back-to-school season, we sat down with Jackie Smalls, Transfr’s SVP of our Learning Experience Team, to explore how virtual reality is revolutionizing STEM education by giving students hands-on experiences in simulated career environments—making crucial connections between classroom theory and workplace application. Jackie brings a unique perspective to this conversation, having served as a STEM Administrator in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), was part of the writing team for the the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and spent years as a classroom teacher before transitioning to executive roles at Educational Technology companies and non-profits Her deep understanding of both the classroom experience and educational innovation makes her insights particularly valuable for educators and administrators navigating today’s challenges.
Psst… This article is part of our Future Ready series to support educators in the 2025 school year. Follow along through September for tips and resources to have a successful year with Transfr.
How does Career Exploration and Training using virtual reality support STEM education?
Career exploration and skills training through virtual reality (VR) strengthens STEM education by making learning both hands-on and equitable. Instead of seeing STEM as abstract or intimidating, students step into careers virtually, testing skills, solving problems, and experiencing what it feels like to work in fields like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, or technology. This shift makes STEM tangible, engaging, and accessible for every learner.
Not every school or student has the resources for specialized equipment, field trips, or direct exposure to STEM careers. VR helps level the playing field, giving all learners the chance to explore diverse pathways and see themselves in STEM, regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance.
What implementation models work best when integrating VR into learning?
The most effective implementation models for VR in education are those that integrate career exploration early and expand opportunities across pathways. Starting in middle schools, students as early as sixth grade can explore their interests, connect them to potential careers, and then test those careers through VR in ways that guide future CTE or high school choices. A VR immersive experience goes beyond the one day Career Day or hearing from someone working in a STEM field.
VR also supports bridge programming between high schools, community colleges, and workforce partners, ensuring continuity for learners. Importantly, it extends beyond limited CTE seats by offering all students whether or not they are enrolled in formal CTE pathways, the same immersive opportunities. By connecting disciplines and making STEM learning interdisciplinary and applied, VR ensures every student has equitable access to explore, prepare, and thrive in careers that match their interests and skills.
What are the challenges and barriers in adopting technology like VR, and how do schools overcome them?
When schools first consider adopting VR, the roadblocks can feel daunting with limited budgets, lack of devices, or the uncertainty of how it fits into an already packed school day. But behind every challenge is the question that keeps educators pushing forward: How do we give students opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have?
For many learners, VR becomes that opportunity. A headset can transport a student from their classroom to a construction site, a laboratory, or even air craft hanger. These aren’t just simulations, they are experiences that spark curiosity and make learning tangible. Students who might struggle to connect with a textbook or video often thrive when they can “do” instead of “sit and get”.
Schools that succeed in bringing VR into classrooms often start small and grow. Implementation is aligned to strategic goals. A single lab, a pilot program, or a partnership with local industry can open the door. Teachers lean on each other, share what works, and build confidence as they see the impact on their students. What starts as a pilot quickly becomes a movement when students are excited, engaged, and asking, “What can I try next?”
The true success story isn’t about overcoming cost or logistics—it’s about equity. VR ensures that no matter where a student lives, or what resources their school can access, they still have a chance to explore careers, test their skills, and imagine a future they might never have considered. That’s what makes overcoming the barriers worthwhile.
What outcomes should schools expect?
The outcomes of bringing a VR-based program into schools are both immediate and long-lasting. The first and most visible shift is in student engagement. Subjects that once felt intimidating or disconnected come alive when students can experience them dynamically. Instead of approaching STEM with hesitation or anxiety, learners step into a virtual world where curiosity and participation come naturally.
Beyond engagement, students gain a clear picture of the careers that truly exist in STEM. VR doesn’t just tell them about jobs, it lets them step into them. This hands-on exposure helps students discover new possibilities, while also giving them the chance to rule out paths that don’t match their interests or strengths. That clarity is powerful and builds confidence in charting a meaningful future.
What’s equally exciting is how VR accommodates diverse learning styles. Whether a student thrives by reading, experimenting, or physically “doing,” VR offers an entry point. Layered with micro-credentials and badges tied to industry-recognized competencies at the high school level, Transfr offers an experience to not only spark interest but also programming to develop skills that matter beyond the classroom.
The ripple effects extend far past individual learners. When students build awareness, confidence, and transferable skills, families and communities benefit too. Schools adopting Transfr programming are not just preparing graduates, they’re strengthening the future of work, supporting local industries, and creating more equitable access to opportunity. The outcome, ultimately, is a learning environment where students don’t just imagine their future, they practice it, master it and are prepared for employment.
The Real Connection Students Need
Now more than ever, our students need opportunities that help them see what’s possible and prepare them for futures they can believe in. Virtual reality is more than just a tool or gadget; it’s a bridge connecting curiosity to confidence, classrooms to careers, and schools to the communities they serve. As parents, teachers, and partners, we each play a role in opening those doors. By investing in work-based programming, with VR simulations, we are not just enhancing lessons, we’re giving students the chance to dream bigger, explore bravely, and step into careers that will shape the world of tomorrow. The question isn’t whether our students are ready for this technology; it’s whether we are ready to give them the future they deserve.
Ready to transform how your students experience STEM education? Partner with us to give students immersive career exploration experiences that complement your existing programs and open doors to futures they can actually envision—and achieve. Contact us to schedule a demo today.
