Opening up the future is what new virtual -reality-based educational program We Are VR Leaders is all about.

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We Are VR Leaders Founder Howard Robinson created the program to engage students and increase retention. Most importantly, though, We Are VR Leaders provides underserved students with access to a wider variety of learning opportunities,

Howard, who is an educator, technologist and thought leader, is also the Founder and President of Gaming for Greatness.

For Howard, his leadership journey began during his own academic career.

As one of the top students in his South Side Chicago high school, he frequently guided classmates in their studies. And during his college career, one of his teaching positions was as a computer-science instructor for students in South Africa.

Today, he uses cutting-edge technology to accomplish his dual missions: education and youth leadership.

Virtual reality, Howard says, can transcend some of the obstacles students face, while allowing them to experience future career options. It can also keep them engaged.

In fact, Howard says, getting the students to stop interacting with the VR lessons, may just be a challenge!

And his new educational program is going to change some lives..

We Are VR Leaders currently lists three different programs on their website. Currently,, the program is set to debut in two different states, for two different types of youth-serving organizations.

But Howard says that’s just the beginning.

Howard shared the story of creating We Are VR Leaders, talked about some of his favorite experiences with the program and offered a preview of what could be next!

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• How Howard first became inspired to become a leader in education and technology;

• A creative lesson from a unique past experience as an educator which he currently uses in his work with We Are VR Leaders;

• How Howard first realized the educational potential of VR;

• The story of We Are VR Leaders;

• A timeline for the (scheduled) implementation of the program in a school system;

• His advice for organizations on successfully implementing programs for underserved communities;

• How to find out more about implementing the program for your school or organization;

• A closer look at some of the curricula students will experience through We Are VR Leaders;

• One of the best lessons Howard has learned as an educator, from his work with his new program;

• An exciting development that’s coming in the very near future!;

• Howard’s vision for We Are VR Leaders;

• A look at the Art Therapy curriculum which Howard is currently developing in collaboration with nonprofit Smile Honey Child;;

• One of the reactions Howard enjoyed most, when introducing newcomers to virtual reality;

• How you can support the program, if you’d like to help!:

• Howard’s go-to implement to extend his reach, as a VR educator.