Background
The Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program (IVROP) runs Project Connect, a year-round youth workforce development program serving around 300 eligible young people aged 14 to 24 across Imperial County, California. Funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and administered locally by the county's workforce development system, the program combines intensive case management, tutoring, paid work experience, occupational skills training and mentoring to prepare participants for postsecondary education and employment.
A renewed county agreement
In July 2026, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a one-year, $1.59 million agreement with IVROP to continue the program. The agreement is funded entirely through WIOA, with no impact on the county's general fund, and was approved despite an approximately 10% reduction in youth program funding this year. Supervisors voiced strong support for the renewal, with several describing the program's impact they had seen firsthand as educators and through county work.
AI and VR career exploration
Under the renewed agreement, Project Connect will continue expanding its use of artificial intelligence-driven career simulations and virtual reality career exploration. The county's Workforce and Economic Development Director, quoted below, said the tools expose participants to careers in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, engineering, robotics, culinary arts and fire science, helping young people build workplace skills before entering employment.
IVROP has worked with California simulation company SimInsights, whose no-code HyperSkill platform is used to author and deliver interactive VR and AR training simulations. The two organizations have co-presented their workforce technology collaboration at the California Workforce Association's WORKCON conferences, including a 2025 workshop on engaging youth with AI, VR and real-world experience — work SimInsights describes as expanding access to career exploration in rural and underserved Imperial Valley communities.
Outcomes and outreach
Participants who complete IVROP's career technical education pathways earn certificates intended to lead to livable-wage employment. To raise awareness of the program, IVROP and workforce services provider Equus have expanded outreach across Imperial County through social media, community events and school partnerships, supported by a recently hired workforce analyst.
