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Board approves additional $29,687.50 to expand career-exploration Oculus headsets for schools
Summary
Commissioners approved a $29,687.50 change order to an existing contract with Transfer, Inc. so workforce navigators can carry VR Oculus headsets to middle and high schools as part of career exploration and pathways programming; staff said the expense is within FY25 funds (carryover) and expands student access.
Carroll County Commissioners approved a change order on March 27 increasing an existing contract with Transfer, Inc. by $29,687.50 to expand virtual-reality (Oculus) career-exploration equipment used by workforce navigators in county schools.
Heather Powell of Carroll County Workforce Development explained that the program places “office hours” in every high school and middle school and uses VR headsets for career exploration and simulated skills training. The additional headsets will allow navigators to have portable units to bring during daily office hours rather than scheduling shared equipment.
Funding and scope: Powell said carryover funds from the first year of Blueprint implementation allow the purchase within FY25 budget parameters; the change order exceeds the 10% contract threshold so the board’s approval was required. Staff said the headsets support career-readiness work in partnership with schools, community college and local employers.
Board action: A motion to approve the additional $29,687.50 was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Follow-up: Workforce development staff said they will track student participation and outcomes through their platforms and plan to follow cohorts starting in middle school to measure progress toward career-and-college readiness.
