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Project

Advancing the Metaverse for Social Impact

The metaverse and XR technologies reshape every aspect of education and work.

February 14, 2024

At a Glance

As metaverse and XR technologies reshape every aspect of education and work, JFFLabs is helping partners across this growing ecosystem ensure everyone benefits from these innovations. 

Practices & Centers

Challenge

The metaverse and the technologies that make it possible are reshaping every aspect of education and work. The good news is there’s a social impact opportunity with extended reality (XR) technologies. XR provides broader access to high–quality education and training and supports workers on the job. Additionally, learners and workers will need to learn XR-related skills in order to access opportunities to get hired, succeed, and thrive in the jobs of the future that provide economic advancement.   

Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. workforce and education systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all.

JFFLabs is helping grow the market for promising technology solutions poised to generate significant social impact for workers and learners. Working with partners including Meta, SAP, and Unity, among others, we explore and showcase the potential of the metaverse, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to connect people to opportunities for learning, work, and economic opportunity. Our approach:

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Insights

We shape policy that strengthens the labor market at all levels and drives the conversation for education, workforce, and industry leaders nationwide.
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Incubation

We curate solutions with potential to grow and use our networks of leaders to drive change in systems and distribute tools, resources, and strategies.
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Investment

We invest capital and regrant resources to incubate new solutions, accelerate innovation, and drive impact.
Accelerating Impact Aligned Immersive Learning Companies

Results

By the Numbers
 

  • Twenty-one small businesses implemented VR training for nearly 400 workers  
  • Eight manufacturing small businesses implemented AR to support on-the-job tasks for their workers 
  • In three cities, competitors developed 17 new ideas for how XR can support small businesses 
  • Eight community colleges piloted an AR curriculum, reaching 150 students 
  • In eight states, 900 students engaged in immersive experiences to strengthen their human skills 

 

JFFLabs XR Innovation Challenge

Making the Metaverse for All

JFF and Meta resources to help workers improve skills through XR technology.
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Skill Immersion Lab

JFFLabs, SAP, and Talespin utilize VR to empower learners to build human skills.
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Metaverse for All Innovation Circle

A community of leaders engages with JFF to explore new technologies and recommend solutions for advancing workers and learners.
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Immersive learning is becoming one of the hottest and most transformational approaches to learning. …New tools for VR and AR are transforming technical, managerial, and all elements of soft skills training because they create real-world learning experiences that stick.

— Josh Bersin, Global Industry Analyst

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