Upward Bound: Expanding Horizons Through Innovation

In March 2026, High Sierra AHEC collaborated with Upward Bound by bringing Virtual Reality (VR) headsets into the learning experience. These VR tools are being used to introduce students to immersive healthcare career simulations, allowing participants to explore professions such as nursing, surgery, and medical diagnostics in a hands-on, engaging way. By stepping into virtual clinical environments, students can gain early exposure to real-world scenarios, helping them better understand the skills and education required for future careers in healthcare.

By integrating modern technology like virtual reality with its foundational mission, High Sierra AHEC continues to evolve—equipping students not only with academic preparation, but also with the confidence and vision needed to pursue meaningful careers. The introduction of healthcare simulations marks an exciting step forward, bridging the gap between education and real-world application, and inspiring the next generation of professionals.

“This VR experience has been a new learning experience. I especially liked the blood draw simulation because I had to complete my own bloodwork yesterday. Therefore, it helped me understand what the medical assistant did for me. Not only that, but the stimulation takes into account the patient's well-being as well. This helps me understand that healthcare workers always have to consider the ethics, along with the procedure, when doing their careers. Additionally, this experience puts us, as users, into a first-hand experience without having to worry about the accessibility and the consequences of real-life experience. This was overall a helpful and educational experience!” - Kamielle M.