Story by Amy Hadachek for the Winter 2026 Issue of the Kansas Future Farmer
Imagine…being in middle school, and pondering what career path would be right for you…
Interestingly, eighth grade is considered a critical year – a predictor of staying in school and graduating. Students who’ve identified career paths have higher grades, with a sense of belonging; resulting in more reasons to stay in school.
Several years ago, the Kansas Department of Education began requiring each eighth grader to complete an ‘Individual Plan of Study’ – a guide for career focus and coursework throughout high school.
Also, Kansas’ future workforce needs young skilled workers.
And now!…Kansans in grades 6-8 have the exciting opportunity to ‘try out’ different careers; through virtual reality oculus headsets (including eyeglasses and career-planning curriculum.) Thanks to the launch of the Youth Career Discovery partnership comprised of Kansas FFA, Kansas 4-H, Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K), State Alliance of YMCA’s, and Kansas Boys & Girls Clubs – and recent grant funding, this YCD partnership is placing virtual reality oculus headsets in various Kansas communities.
“These ‘TRANSFR Trek’ program simulations offer a high-impact, immersive feel of a virtual career discovery experience through simulations that take students into the virtual workplace,” said Joyce Glasscock, Executive Director; Kansas Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs.
As Kansas FFA partnered with the four other youth organizations to showcase a wide range of career opportunities, students were encouraged to explore at least one agricultural career in considering future career paths.
“It was exciting to see youth who visited the Kansas FFA space at the Kansas State Fair, along with current FFA members, engage in the VR career experiences this fall,” said Mary Kane, Kansas FFA Executive Secretary.
Through Kansas FFA, Kane offered the VR program to two rural northwest Kansas FFA chapters; Hoxie and Phillipsburg in September 2025.
“I get a new batch of 10 eighth graders every nine weeks. Students take a skilled-based quiz, so we can match them up with their preferences. Then, they’re put in headsets,” said Allison Dix, Agricultural Educator and FFA advisor at Phillipsburg High School. “I had a student use the VR program recently; who wanted to be a lineman. But, through the VR glasses, he looked out at the tower and realized – heights aren’t for him,” Dix explained. Another simulation is knee surgery, which shows blood in the project; important for students considering becoming a surgical technologist. Some students relayed, “This is awesome…sign me up!”
Additionally, headsets were placed in Russell and Hays schools by Jobs for America’s Graduates. Boys & Girls Clubs assigned headsets to Hutchinson and Manhattan. YMCA headsets are in Wichita. 4-H headsets are in Republic, Cloud, Washington and Clay counties.
Since ocular equipment and career simulation licenses can be costly, the organizations appealed to the legislature; as a partnership.
“State lawmakers came together and wanted to see how to improve careers earlier; in middle schools, specifically to keep kids in Kansas,” Dix explained.
The budget directs the Kansas Department of Education to provide $320,000 in year-one to pilot the partnership; matched with $160,000 in private fundraising.
“We’ve secured 50-percent of the headset technology for year-one of the project (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026,)” Glasscock said.
The TRANSFR Trek program is strengthening Kansas’s future workforce for high-demand industries identified through the ‘Kansas Promise Scholarship’ program.
This Promise Scholarship created by the Kansas Legislature, is available to students enrolled in specific two-year degrees and certificate programs including Information Technology and Security, Mental and Physical Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and building trades, Agriculture, and other careers at eligible Kansas community and technical colleges. In exchange for scholarships, following graduation – students agree to live and work in Kansas for two consecutive years. “I’ll probably share the VR program with a HOSA group (Health Occupations Students of America) to try the simulations toward health care,” Dix said. “It’s helped with the way I teach careers. Now, students actually have hands-on experience with potential careers.”
“The kids are excited,” Glasscock said. “And, their enthusiasm is essential for meaningful career engagement.”
For more information:
https://www.kansasregents.gov/students/student_financial_aid/promise-act-scholarship