Oswego Industries to develop VR Career Exploration program

KeyBank Foundation awards $10,000 for the effort                  

FULTON — KeyBank Foundation has awarded Oswego Industries, Inc. a grant of $10,000 that will support its Virtual Reality (VR) Career Exploration program. Oswego Industries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to individuals with disabilities. It’s located at 7 Morrill Place in Fulton. The VR Career Exploration is part of Oswego Industries’ employment-support services, which helps people explore various career paths in a “safe, immersive environment.” The VR Career Exploration program — powered by Transfr VR technology — allows participants to engage with job roles across multiple industries — from health care to manufacturing — through realistic, hands-on experiences. By simulating real-world tasks in a risk-free setting, participants can explore their interests, develop job-related skills, and build confidence in their career pursuits, Oswego Industries, Inc. said. “Key is committed to the communities it serves and makes philanthropic investments in organizations and programs that advance social, racial, and environmental equity by investing in low-to-moderate income individuals and families. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through its three funding priorities – Neighbors, Education, Workforce – and through Community Service,” Eric Brown, vice president of KeyBank Foundation, said in an email announcing the grant. “Your program reflects this mission, and we wish you well in your endeavor.” The program has “already made a significant impact,” providing over 80 minutes of VR training to participants, many of whom rated their experiences highly as they discovered new job possibilities, Oswego Industries said. The technology-driven program aligns with Oswego Industries’ goal to foster independence and productivity among individuals with disabilities, and it also supports workforce development throughout Central New York. “With the support of KeyBank Foundation, Oswego Industries is expanding its mission to empower individuals with disabilities by giving them the tools to explore a variety of careers in a meaningful, risk-free way,” Su-Ann Howard, employment services manager at Oswego Industries, Inc., said in the announcement. “This cutting-edge VR technology enables us to deliver immersive career experiences that foster growth, build independence, and provide a path toward fulfilling and sustainable employment.”