The Children's Trust in Miami, Florida has awarded Code Explorers an innovation grant to develop the World's First Virtual/Augmented Reality (VRAR) sustainability with empathy educational curriculum for youth in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG)  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
April 24, 2019 - Miami, Florida
On September 25th, 2015, the 193-Member United Nations General Assembly adopted a set of goals to improve quality of education, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. For the goals to be reached, everyone needs to do their part: governments, the private sector, civil society and people like us.
Using Virtual/Augmented Reality (VRAR) to Impact the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
On April 2019, The Children's Trust in Miami, FL USA, awarded Code Explorers an Innovation Grant to develop the first sustainability with empathy curriculum to teach students 3D VRAR computer programming skills and storytelling to create virtual/augmented reality content and educate youth on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Virtual/Augmented Reality (VRAR) is a brand-new user interface unlike the conventional ones, immersing a person in a digital 3D environment, instead of watching on a display. Computer-generated imagery and content aim at simulating a real presence through senses (sight, hearing, touch). Students will become creators of the technology, not just consumers, using computer programming to design, create, and implement VRAR content and storytelling. In addition, students will be developing collaborative and creative problem-solving skills - an imperative skill for the 4th Industrial Revolution era.
Through the project's research and development, Code Explorers aim to develop discipline of VRAR instruction and syllabus development. Currently, there is a lack of sources to turn to for implementing best practices using this new medium.
Benefits
In current educational reality, virtual technologies have a place of value as they make it easier for students to understand, percept and assimilate the information they are given.
“We’re on the cusp of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Code Explorers new innovative technology curriculum goal and learning experiences encourage learners to become creators, and lifelong learners. The next generation will succeed by working together to solve global issues." said Maria de Pena, BSME, MSOSM Founder of Code Explorers
About Code Explorers
CODE EXPLORERS® aims to Prepare the Next Generation for the 4th Industrial Revolution. Code Explorers is an award-winning, 501c3, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching, motivating, and expanding participation in computer science, technology and engineering using mobile technology and learning. Located at 7900 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes FL 33016 | Phone: 305.454.6515
About The Children's Trust
The Children's Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County. Their mission is to partner with the community to plan, advocate for and fund strategic investments that improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County. We envision a community that works together to provide the essential foundations to enable every child to achieve their full potential. Because All Children Are Our Children. Located at 3150 SW 3rd Avenue (Coral Way), Miami FL 33129 | Phone: 305.571.5700 | 
