Virtual Reality Interactive Therapy Traveling Trailer

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Access to technology and the creative industry is essential for fostering innovation, economic growth, and social equity. As technology continues to shape our world, proficiency in tech skills becomes increasingly valuable across various sectors. With our VR programming, we can offer avenues for self-expression, entrepreneurship, and cultural enrichment. We use our VR program and trailer to remove barriers such as limited resources, education gaps, and systemic inequalities that often hinder individuals' access to these opportunities. Bridging this gap not only empowers individuals with pathways to meaningful employment but also enriches industries with diverse perspectives and talent, ultimately driving societal progress and prosperity.

At Made New Foundation, we deploy a fully equipped 20-foot trailer featuring 12 VR headsets and TV's, with diverse scenarios ranging from job interviews to conflict resolution. Through our innovative decision tree method, participants can select their desired circumstances and navigate through various scenarios, witnessing real-time outcomes based on their decisions. This immersive approach empowers individuals to make informed choices while gaining valuable insights into the consequences of their actions, ultimately enhancing their cognitive skills, job readiness, and conflict resolution abilities. Beyond pre-made scenarios, participants will be encouraged to create their own, fostering innovative content creation and providing a safe environment to work through personal and professional challenges. This approach not only empowers individuals to make choices but also nurtures their creativity and problem-solving skills in creating their very own VR content.

If the work of Made New Foundation is successful, the county will experience a profound transformation in several key areas. Firstly, there will be a noticeable increase in the employability and skill levels of system-impacted individuals, leading to reduced recidivism rates and a more productive workforce. Secondly, there will be a positive shift in community dynamics, with enhanced conflict resolution skills leading to decreased tensions and improved social cohesion. Thirdly, the county will witness a surge in innovation and creativity as individuals gain experience in creating their own VR scenarios, contributing to a more vibrant and dynamic local economy. Overall, the success of our work will lead to a more empowered, resilient, and prosperous county for all its residents.

As an early-stage project, the success of the above project will be measured by:
Participant Engagement: Monitoring the level of participation and engagement among system-impacted individuals in the VR workshops and scenario creation sessions. Increased attendance and active involvement indicate the project's appeal and relevance to the target audience. Skill Development: Assessing the progress of participants in acquiring cognitive behavioral skills, job training competencies, conflict resolution abilities, and VR content creation skills. Regular evaluations and feedback sessions will provide insights into skill enhancement over time. Feedback and Satisfaction: Gathering feedback from participants regarding their satisfaction with the program, perceived usefulness of the VR experiences, and suggestions for improvement. It is our vision to expand our reach to encompass all schools and correctional facilities within Los Angeles County.