What happens when talent finds resources? The answer is amazing things, according to the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and Kyoger, an Iowa-based content strategy, production and consulting firm.

That's the premise behind the SVHEC and Kyoger partnering to host Maker's Focus Immersion Week for a group of talented students from Boone, Iowa.

The high school-aged students are participants in an Iowa-based program called Virtual Reality Education Pathfinders. Pathfinders is a program that gives students the knowledge and tools needed to design their own virtual programs, and to create 3D projects that are utilized as immersive virtual environments. Participating students have developed a high level of skill in 3D modeling, simulation, and computer-aided design, but have never had access to the advanced manufacturing technology that would take their concepts from the digital world to the physical one.

"Given our tremendous assets in advanced manufacturing, and our specialty in making things, we immediately saw an opportunity for collaboration," said David Kenealy, SVHEC director of research and development. "Aerospace pioneer Rockwell Collins, manufacturing software firm ITI Global and Kyoger have all joined with SVHEC and VREP to make the event possible."

The students arrive at the SVHEC on Monday and will be immediately immersed into the world of advanced manufacturing. Using the handle of a cane prototyped by the SVHEC's R&D Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Energy Efficiency, the students will convert their 3-D designs into physical products.

During the Maker's Focus Immersion Week, the Iowan students will be exposed to CNC routers and operation, CNC mill & lathe, reverse engineering and the SVHEC's approach to Computer Aided Design (CAD). The week will culminate on Thursday with student presentations to an audience of elected officials and regional leaders in education, business, industry and economic development.

"This is yet another example of how SVHEC people, programs, and technology are drawing students into our community for unique educational experiences. We look forward to growing our relationship with VREP and Kyoger," said Betty Adams, SVHEC executive director.

While the students are at the SVHEC, they will have an opportunity to meet and interact with students in the Business of Art & Design program. The two academic programs under the Business of Art & Design umbrella, Product Design & Development and Digital Art & Design, will be highlighted as transfer opportunities for the VREP students.

"VREP is currently in 165 schools in Iowa. Part of the focus of this immersion week is showing them the opportunities we've created in Virginia to apply their knowledge & skills in a meaningful way that will put them on a solid career path. We don't know what the future holds, but we'd love to develop a partnership that allows for VREP to serve as a feeder program for the Business of Art & Design," Kenealy stated.

For more information about the immersion week call 434-572-5557, email in-formation@svhec.org or visit www.svhec.org.