Last week, Indianapolis-based, woman-owned immersive tech company iXplore transformed career exploration for students at Shortridge High School with its cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology. As part of the 2nd Annual Shortridge High School Future Fair, iXplore sponsored the 4,000-square-foot “Xplore Zone,” an interactive space where students could immerse themselves in exciting career pathways using VR headsets and real-world engagement.
A Vision for Career Discovery
Shortridge’s Future Fair, an initiative led by Future Center staff, emphasizes career exposure over traditional job fairs. The goal? To help students in grades 9-12 see, touch, and experience the possibilities available to them during and beyond high school.
Maxine Butler, Shortridge Future Center Community Outreach Associate, explained her motivation behind the Future Fair:
“When we conceived the Future Fair in 2023, I knew it needed to be a career exposure fair, not a traditional job fair. Students cannot distinguish, discern, or identify career pathways if there is no exposure.”
Designed by iXplore CEO and Co-Founder Heather Jackson, the Xplore Zone provided a unique blend of VR and interactive learning experiences. With the help of VR headsets, students stepped into the shoes of professionals across various industries, seeing firsthand what their futures could look like.
iXplore’s efforts were amplified by the presence of several Career Xploration clients and partners:
- The National Elevator Industry Education Program and Republic Airways showcased immersive career pathways.
- Erskine Green Training Institute highlighted opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Teaching artists from The Sapphire Theatre Company facilitated meaningful discussions with students before and after their VR sessions.
Adding a modern twist, headshot company popcam sponsored a professional Headshot Lounge, offering students polished headshots within minutes—a key step toward building their professional personas.
Making “Future” Tangible
Nearly 700 students participated in this year’s Future Fair, discovering careers in ways that were both exciting and empowering. Reflecting on the event, Jackson shared:
The collaboration of iXplore, its clients, and community partners turned career discovery into an unforgettable experience, leaving students with the tools and inspiration to take the next steps in their career journeys.