Saluki VR Developers Program
After-school initiative for middle and high school students in Southern Illinois with limited access to STEM opportunities in classrooms. By integrating immersive VR experiences with hands-on STEM activities, the program provides engaging learning that builds advanced STEM skills essential for academic success and career readiness.
After School Program Information,
Spring 2026
Two options:
- Tuesdays, 3:30 – 5 pm
- Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 pm
(Both programs will cover the same material.)
When:
- Starts the week of Feb. 2, 2026
- Last meeting the week of April 27, 2026
- Program meets 3:30 – 5 pm
- Drop-off Time: between 3:00 and 3:30 pm
- Pick-up Time: between 5:00 and 5:30 pm
Where:
- SIU Carbondale Campus
- Neckers Hall, 1st Floor, Room 157
Who Can Participate:
- Middle school students from Carbondale Middle School, DeSoto Middle School, and Murphysboro Middle School
- Students from other schools are required contact us to determine their eligibility.
- No prior experience or knowledge is needed
- Enrollment is limited to 24 students (12 for Tuesdays and 12 for Wednesdays)
Cost:
- Free of Charge
- Funded by an Illinois State Board of Education, After School Program Grant
Program Focus:
- Students will be learning how to make their own VR simulations.
- Activities will help students enhance their computing abilities, learn basic coding skills, and interact with VR engines.
- Hands-on, STEM-based activities will also be included.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Please email visual@siu.edu
Is transportation provided?
No. Parents or guardians are responsible for arranging transportation for their student to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
Do parents need to stay for the duration of the program?
No. The program has staff to work with the students during the program hours. We ask that parents be sure to pick up their students no later than 5:30 pm.
If a parent wants to stay and observe the program, they are welcome to.
My child will need to miss a week. Is that ok?
Yes. The program is designed to allow students to work at their own pace. If a student misses a week, they will be able to pick up where they left off upon their return.
Who is staffing the after school program?
Staff will consist of faculty and college students from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Staff and faculty come from a variety of departments, including the School of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Computing, and School of Education.
Are snacks provided?
Yes, simple snacks will be available for students each week.
My child has never done anything like this before. Can they still participate?
Absolutely! There is no expectation that students entering the program have used VR before or have done any programming. One of the goals of the program is to empower the students with these skills.
Do students need to bring any equipment with them to the program?
No. The program provides all the equipment. We only ask that the students come with enthusiasm and a willingness to try new things.
What happens if my student is uncomfortable using a VR headset?
No problem. The VR programs can also be displayed on a computer screen, allowing students to have a similar experience even if they don’t want to use a headset.
My student does not attend Carbondale, DeSoto, or Murphysboro Middle School. Can they still join?
To determine if your student is eligible to join the program, please email visual@siu.edu. A team member will respond to your inquiry and discuss the eligibility criteria.
What is the research project that is associated with this project?
The leadership team will be working with the participating students to determine if this after school format is a successful method of teaching youth computational skills. In order to do that, students have the opportunity to provide feedback on the program through a pre- and post-survey as well as focus group discussion that will ask them to share their thoughts about what they have learned. Students and parents have the choice to opt in or out of the research portion of the program; this choice does not affect the student’s eligibility or their ability to participate in the program.
More details are provided in the parent consent form on this website.
Files for Parents / Guardians:
Paper copies of these files will be available for parents/guardians to complete the first time their student attends the Saluki VR Developers Program.
For students who want to learn to make their own VR simulations, this is a great way to learn the necessary skills in a safe, supportive environment. No previous experience and knowledge is needed.
Program sponsored by:
