WATERTOWN, NY (October 22, 2024) – In early 2020, WPBS initiated a comprehensive update of its GPS for Success initiative, culminating in the launch of a new website – featuring an innovative, gamified experience designed to better engage 11–15-year-olds in career exploration. Developed in collaboration with video game developers up360/FedCap VR and website design company Long Story Short, the team created “Vocation Vista,” a dynamic virtual journey that captivates and educates young learners.
The newly redesigned website, launched in early September 2024, is a comprehensive free resource hub for students. This includes an aptitude assessment tool, information on post-secondary education and training options in New York State, and resources for resume writing and interview preparation. With the Vocation Vista video game feature, students can navigate a virtual town square, interact with character avatars, and gain insights into various careers through immersive 180-degree video interviews filmed at real North Country workplaces.
To promote awareness and increase usage of this valuable resource, WPBS will conduct in-person sessions at schools across St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis counties throughout the 2024/25 school year. These full-day sessions will include demonstrations of the new website and a complementary virtual reality experience. Students will wear MetaQuest VR goggles to immerse themselves in a virtual workplace, allowing them to engage with tools and tasks related to various occupations.
“The revamped GPS for Success site aims to ignite early interest in diverse career paths, empowering students to thoughtfully map out their futures,” said Justin Keegan, Manager of Education and Lifelong Learning Services at WPBS. “By familiarizing students and educators with the new site and its resources, we hope to foster a proactive approach to career development.”
The initiative aligns with New York State Learning Standards, emphasizing Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) as a fundamental educational component. The Virtual Reality experience provides students with hands-on opportunities for real-life role-playing, immediate performance feedback, and practical skill development in a dynamic learning environment.
Participating students will receive brochures to share with their families, extending the career exploration conversation into their homes. Schools interested in hosting these engaging Virtual Reality events are encouraged to visit www.wpbstv.org/gpsforsuccess for more information or contact Justin Keegan at 315-782-3142 ext. 320 or via email at jkeegan@wpbstv.org.
For more information about GPS for Success and to access the new resources, visit www.mygpsforsuccess.com.
About WPBS
WPBS is a PBS station serving approximately 600,000 households throughout Northern New York and Eastern Ontario via cable, satellite, Internet and over-the-air distribution. WPBS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and inspire diverse communities with exceptional and trusted content across multiple platforms. Its vision is to be the premier provider of relevant public service media that instills wonder and curiosity across generations and cultures. More information about WPBS, including a full channel listing, is available at wpbstv.org, or by following WPBS on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Download the free WPBS Mobile App to follow WPBS on the go.
