Virtual Reality Program Provides High-Tech Education for Residents in New Mexico

CoreCivic's Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, New Mexico, is piloting innovative education tools that allow justice-involved individuals to not only receive hands-on vocational training, but also earn industry-recognized certificates. CoreCivic has teamed up with Promising People to offer this first-of-its-kind, virtual reality training program. Participants can immerse themselves in realistic situations to learn in a safe environment.

The program begins with an assessment and evaluation of each participant. This allows the facilitator to create an individual curriculum and reentry plan for each student, giving them the best opportunity for success. The students are then issued a virtual reality headset and a unique code, enabling the technology to follow the students' progress in real-time.

Students train using the virtual reality headsets for two hours per day, Monday through Friday. They can learn everything from culinary skills to electrical skills, as well as soft skills like overcoming unhealthy thinking patterns. While students are learning with the headsets, the facilitator is on site ready to help with any questions or technical issues. Students also have access to tablets where they can complete other coursework, check out the reference library, and track their progress.

Virtual reality program participants in the first cohort earned 277 certificates in trades, such as advanced electrical, welding, and coding, as well as soft skills and language skills.

CoreCivic is dedicated to supplying those in our care tools and resources to successfully reintegrate into society after release. Research shows justice-involved individuals who receive vocational training and industry-recognized certifications while incarcerated are less likely to return to prison after release.