USDA grant powers groundbreaking AR/VR dual enrollment program at CMU

Mount Pleasant, MI — Central Michigan University is taking dual enrollment to the next level with the launch of an innovative science course that uses immersive virtual reality to teach anatomy and physiology to high school students. Funded by a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and thanks to the support of former Congressman Dan Kildee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters, and former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, this new offering is part of CMU’s Fire up! Forward initiative and will debut in four Michigan high schools this fall.

Through the grant, students at Beal City High School, Bullock Creek High School, Essexville High School, and Freeland Community School District can earn college credit in HSC 211: Anatomy and Physiology while learning in a highly engaging virtual environment powered by Meta Quest 3 headsets.

“This opportunity is a shining example of CMU’s commitment to transforming healthcare education through innovation,” said Dr. Gregory Zimmerman, Interim Dean of the College of Health Professions. “By introducing high school students to the human body in immersive 3D, we’re preparing them for college-level rigor while igniting a passion for careers in medicine, nursing, therapy, and more.”

As part of the dual enrollment course, students will engage in interactive 360° virtual dissections, manipulate anatomical models, and explore systems of the human body using the latest in AR/VR technology — specifically, AlensiaXR HoloAnatomy applications/software-- all from their high school classrooms.

“With support from the USDA, we’re removing traditional barriers to college access by giving high school students an innovative head start to college and potentially unlocking their future career,” said Dr. Kaleb Patrick, Interim Vice President for Innovation and Online. “It’s not just about learning science in an immersive way. It’s about reshaping what’s possible for the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

The four high school partners will pilot the course in their classrooms during the 2025–2026 academic year. Dr. Roop Jayaraman, CMU Associate Professor, in collaboration with local educators, will guide the curriculum to ensure a seamless blend of college-level content and high school engagement.

“I am incredibly proud to work with forward-thinking school districts that share our vision for future-focused education,” added Dr. Patrick.

Enrollment for the course is set to begin in Summer 2025. Students who successfully complete the program will earn transferrable CMU credit and be better positioned for degree pathways in health and science fields.

For more information about Fire up! Forward and dual enrollment opportunities at CMU, visit Fire Up! Forward.