New Mexico State University’s Global Campus has received a $75,000 grant from Meta for a new initiative to boost virtual reality use in K-12 classrooms.
Their partnership includes a new microcredential program that will launch this summer through NMSU Microlearning with the support of Academic Technology. It’s designed to help K-12 educators across six different states learn how to effectively integrate VR into their lessons, offering training in educational technology.
The collaboration marks a milestone for NMSU Global in its mission to expand access to online education. It also strengthens the university’s growing relationship with industry leaders, following its selection as a testing site for Cisco’s hologram technology in 2024 and getting Meta’s attention through immersive teaching in 2023.
“NMSU Global’s leadership in VR education positions the university as a forward-thinking, innovative institution,” said Robbie Grant, executive director of academic technology for NMSU Global. “This strengthens its reputation, attracting students, faculty, research funding and helping it remain competitive with universities investing in emerging technologies.”
Over the past year, VR use at NMSU has rapidly grown. The number of users increased from 100 in fall 2024 to nearly 500 by spring 2025. VR-related projects also expanded from just five to more than 20 in the same period. Faculty response has been positive, with many reporting higher student engagement.
“The increase in VR users and projects at NMSU can largely be attributed to our intentional efforts to engage and support our VR champion instructors,” said Melinda Culity, enterprise instructional technology administrator. “By actively collaborating with them and showcasing the innovative work happening in their classrooms, we’ve been able to demonstrate the real impact VR can have on teaching and learning.”
The new microcredentials aim to bring that same impact to K-12 education. Offered at no cost and in an asynchronous format, the program removes two major barriers to professional development: cost and time. Andrew Sedillo, executive director of strategic initiatives and partnerships said the initiative is especially impactful for under-resourced schools that may lack access to emerging technology.
“The program helps close the digital divide in educational technology adoption and supports a more equitable future for students across New Mexico and beyond,” he said.
In addition to offering VR training, the university is actively building extended reality experiences, developing digital twins and expanding access to cutting-edge tools that empower both educators and learners.
“As a leader in workforce-aligned, tech-forward education, NMSU Global is helping shape the future of learning, one experience at a time,” Sedillo said.
For more information about NMSU microlearning, visit https://global.nmsu.edu/microlearning/.