BCPS celebrates the introduction of new XR devices to enhance learning at Apollo and Bair middle schools

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is celebrating an exciting new chapter in immersive learning with the introduction of cutting-edge Extended Reality (XR) devices at Apollo Middle School and Bair Middle School. The new technology, paired with vibrant collaborative seating areas, promises to elevate student engagement and broaden educational possibilities in all content areas.

On May 28, 2025, members of the Broward County School Board, BCPS Superintendent, district leadership, and representatives from the Orange Bowl Committee, College Football Playoff Foundation, and Broward Education Foundation gathered at Bair Middle School for a special event marking the rollout of the new XR devices. Students, teachers, administrators, and staff were also present to witness the launch of this innovative educational initiative.

The new devices, funded by a multi-year grant from the College Football Playoff Foundation and Orange Bowl Committee, will provide students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience. The $500,000 grant, coordinated through BCPS’s Applied Learning Department, supports ten district schools over a five-year period. It includes not only XR headsets but also in-kind donations like furniture, equipment, and additional technology to ensure that students can take full advantage of this groundbreaking learning tool.

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At Apollo and Bair Middle Schools, each school will receive 48 new Meta Quest XR headsets, accompanied by two carts for storing, charging, and sanitizing the devices. These headsets open up a world of possibilities for students, allowing them to virtually travel through outer space, explore historical events, or journey to different parts of the globe. Through this technology, BCPS aims to deepen students’ understanding of complex concepts by bringing them to life in a way that textbooks alone cannot.

“Through this partnership, our students will have the opportunity to experience education in an entirely new dimension,” said BCPS Superintendent. “These XR devices will allow them to connect with learning in a way that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. We’re excited to see how these tools will enhance the educational experience.”

This initiative is more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a shift toward personalized, engaging, and experiential learning. The immersive environments provided by XR headsets are designed to complement traditional lessons, offering a deeper level of interaction and understanding for students. Whether they are exploring ancient civilizations, solving complex science problems, or navigating the stars, students will gain new perspectives on their studies.

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The collaboration between the College Football Playoff Foundation, Orange Bowl Committee, and Broward Education Foundation has made this transformation possible, bringing educational resources to students who might otherwise not have access to such advanced tools. The goal of the grant is to make learning more engaging and accessible while preparing students for the future by exposing them to cutting-edge technology.

“With these XR devices, we are opening doors to new educational opportunities for the students in our community,” said a representative from the Orange Bowl Committee. “We’re proud to support such an innovative initiative that will have a lasting impact on students’ learning experiences.”

The new XR devices are just one example of how BCPS is committed to enhancing the quality of education in Broward County. As the program expands to other schools in the district over the next few years, more students will have the chance to experience the power of immersive learning through this transformative technology.