ASU Preparatory Academy is thrilled to share the ASU Prep South Phoenix VR Club has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Equity in STEAM 4.0 initiative.
This grant—made possible through a partnership with YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, Intel, SRP, Cox and Waymo—does more than acknowledge the innovative efforts of our students and educators. It takes a powerful step toward equity and inclusion in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education for those who have been traditionally underserved.
The grant, presented on January 18, 2025 at the Chandler Multicultural Festival, highlights the extraordinary achievements of the ASU Prep South Phoenix VR Club. Under the dedicated leadership of English teacher and club sponsor Jose Rosario and with the invaluable support of Frank Liu, founder of VR Clubs of America, this club is transforming how students engage with technology and learning.
The ASU Prep South Phoenix VR Club
Offered as an enrichment opportunity during the school’s Family Choice Day, the VR club is part of the flexible Friday programming that allows families to decide where and how students will learn for a more engaging and relevant learning experience.
Students build immersive virtual experiments and interactive learning experiences by weaving together coding, creativity and state-of-the-art technology. These projects empower the students themselves and the greater school community, creating tools that their teachers can use in classrooms across campus.
Collaboration is at the heart of this program’s success. Students work as a team, problem-solving, exchanging ideas and lifting each other up. “When the students run into problems, they research them, they collaborate and they solve them,” says Rosario. “They are also learning to leverage AI’s capabilities to augment their learning,” he adds, highlighting how students use advanced technology to solve problems. Understanding how to use AI responsibly equips these students with critical skills for the future, empowering them to drive innovation while navigating ethical challenges. This knowledge ensures they can harness AI as a tool for positive impact in technology and beyond.
Beyond mastering technology, the program fosters essential communication skills that are just as impactful. Through public speaking opportunities, once-reserved students are finding their voices. “It has translated into confidence, in their other classes and in their lives overall,” Rosario shares.
The potential these students are tapping into is truly inspiring. Rosario notes, “Maybe for some students, careers in coding, video game design, or emerging technologies once felt like a dream. Now, they’re getting real-world, hands-on experience exploring these fields and turning those dreams into real opportunities.”
A vision for STEAM equity
Liu, a Ph.D. ASU engineering valedictorian and the mastermind behind VR Clubs of America, is a staunch advocate of educational access. Liu notes that while many computer scientists aim for careers in big tech, he has directed his talents toward a more personal mission to open doors and shape brighter futures through education. “That’s where my heart is,” he proudly shares.
“What led me to start VR Clubs of America is really the fact that so many Arizona schools are severely under-resourced. And that’s just not acceptable to me. I want to provide something meaningful for these students. They are incredibly smart, but without resources, they can’t achieve their full potential.”
Every Friday last semester, Liu worked with ASU Prep South Phoenix students, guiding them in coding, refining their skills with MetaQuest headsets and solving challenges alongside them. His goal? To create a self-sustaining club where students take full ownership of their educational experience.
“This grant will help us take the program even further,” Liu explains. “With it, we’ll be able to purchase additional VR headsets, so more students and even teachers can participate. Imagine using VR to step inside Anne Frank’s house during history class or accessing meditation apps to practice mindfulness. This technology isn’t just a tool for one classroom—it has the potential to transform the entire school.”
The bigger picture
The work of the ASU Prep South Phoenix VR Club goes beyond technical achievements. It heralds a more equitable future in education, especially for historically underserved communities, such as students from low-income backgrounds and those from diverse cultural groups.
The South Phoenix club is a microcosm of inclusivity. With an even gender balance and representation from a variety of racial and cultural backgrounds, the program is helping students see themselves as creators of technology, not just consumers. This hands-on approach to problem-solving challenges stereotypes and ensures tomorrow’s tech workforce is as multifaceted as the world it serves.
“My dream,” Liu says, “is that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to the newest technology so they can build their skills and see themselves in STEM careers.”
Shaping futures, together
At ASU Prep, we are breaking barriers, unlocking student potential and redefining what’s possible in learning. Our commitment to fostering innovation includes empowering students through dynamic STEM opportunities that inspire curiosity and problem-solving.
Attend an upcoming information session to explore our innovative programs and see how we’re reinventing education to meet the needs of diverse communities. Together, we can build a brighter future for every student.
