> *“[Virtual Reality]…is big. Really big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it’s a long way down the road to the chemist, but that's just peanuts to [Virtual Reality].”* 

                        -Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Inspirit and Meta have joined together to provide over one hundred Title 1 schools across the US with Meta Quest 2 VR headsets, curriculum, & training in 2023 through the VR Lab Starter Kit program. Are you a school or district interested in free Meta Quest 2 VR headsets and thousands of curriculum-aligned immersive learning tools? Learn more and apply [here](https://www.inspiritvr.com/vr-science-program).

Immersive technologies, like virtual reality (VR), are quickly revolutionizing the ways we think about all aspects of reality—from entertainment, to work, to learning.  Early research shows immersive technologies significantly improve information retention, problem-solving skills, and spatial-and-temporal relationship comprehension. Here at Inspirit, we believe that learning with 3D and VR is both the present and the future of education.  

Inspirit was founded in 2019 by two college friends who wanted to revolutionize the way future generations would learn science. Their ongoing research at Stanford University developed into a creator-focused platform where users engage in active learning: *doing* replaces reading and watching.

VR as a tool in education has “vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big” potential to not only improve outcomes, but also to make learning *fun*. Inspirit is committed to getting VR technology in the hands of educators and students throughout the nation, thus ensuring that the benefits of VR are not limited to a select few.

> *“It is staggering to realize the magnitude of the digital divide that still exists in our societies and how marginalized communities all around the world are being affected by this crisis.”* - Aditya Vishwanath, Inspirit’s CEO and Co-Founder.

To address this digital divide, Inspirit is proud to announce our partnership with Meta and the Meta Immersive Learning initiative **—the [VR Lab Starter Kit](https://www.inspiritvr.com/vr-science-program) —which will provide over one-hundred Title I and underrepresented-students-in-STEM-serving schools across the US with Meta Quest 2 VR headsets, curriculum, and training in 2023**.

## Accessible, highly-quality 3D & VR STEM resources for all teachers and students across the globe

Since our inception, Inspirit’s mission has evolved from simply creating powerful, high-quality 3D & VR STEM resources to also making them freely accessible to educators and students across the globe, regardless of socioeconomic status. Today, over 275k+ educators use Inspirit’s thousands of 3D models, simulations, and teaching tools to engage their students with visual learning.

> Aditya Vishwanath, Co-Founder and CEO of Inspririt, commented, *“This is why Amrutha and I started Inspirit in the first place: to inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder in learning across the most diverse and underserved science classrooms.”*

> *“I am beyond excited to have this opportunity to work with Meta to reduce the friction in making meaningful VR experiences accessible to all science teachers,”* echoed Amrutha Vasan, COO and Co-Founder of Inspirit.

The Meta Immersive Learning initiative aims to develop the next generation of virtual reality creators, fund high-quality immersive experiences to transform the way we learn, and increase access to technological learning tools. Through the VR Lab Starter Kit program, Inspirit and Meta will make their joint vision of transformative, accessible education a reality so that the road to being a chemist is just as exciting, immersive, and rewarding as the destination.

Learn more about the *VR Lab Starter Kit* program and find out if your school qualifies [here](https://www.inspiritvr.com/vr-science-program).

Applications to join the VR Lab Starter Kit program open on September 1, 2022. Find out if your school qualifies and [apply today](https://www.inspiritvr.com/vr-lab-application) to be one of the first to receive a VR Lab Starter Kit in January, 2023.

### About Inspirit

Inspirit is a growing 3D and virtual reality education platform that turns learning into an immersive, interactive experience that feels like a game. Inspirit seeks to develop and make powerful, high-quality VR & 3D STEM resources universally available. Inspirit offers over 1500 3D models, interactive simulations, and 3D-embedded study guides across biology, chemistry, and physics. Most importantly, Inspirit is a flourishing community of over 275K+ teachers and students revolutionizing what it means to teach and learn.

### Inspirit’s Commitment to Students and Teachers

Inspirit is deeply committed to protecting the data & privacy of our teachers and students. Inspirit’s mission is to build immersive learning experiences for all learners around the globe, and we actively work to stay on top of safety & compliance before entering the classroom.


A new partnership between Inspirit and the Meta Immersive Learning Initiative, the VR Lab Starter Kit program, will provide Meta Quest 2 VR headsets, Inspirit’s 3D and VR curriculum, and training to over one-hundred Title 1 schools throughout the US in 2023. 

Start Your School’s VR Lab with Inspirit x Meta Immersive Learning Initiative | The Educator’s Guide to Virtual Reality

“[Virtual Reality] … is big. Really big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it’s a long way down the road to the chemist, but that's just peanuts to [Virtual Reality]. ”

-Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Inspirit VR Lab Starter Kit

# Top 10 Tips to Balance a Student-Athlete Lifestyle

__School is hard enough by itself.__ There's endless homework, important tests to study for, and a complex social dynamic that must be taken into account. Then, there's athletics. Competing in any sport, at any level, requires a dedicated focus and commitment to succeed. So how are we supposed to manage it all? This guide will give you our top 10 tips on managing a student-athlete lifestyle.

Perhaps most importantly, how do I know that these work? I'm a senior in a competitive high school with four AP classes, am in the midst of applying to colleges and universities, and compete on three varsity sports teams. I also get 8 hours of sleep each night. It really can be done!

## 1. Focus on what you need to, when you need to

Don't let your upcoming physics test distract you during practice. Likewise, don't get too distracted by the big game during your English class. If your sports practice is right after school, take advantage of the opportunity to take a break from school and focus on your sport. Then, after practice, you can get back into your __school mindset for homework__.

## 2. Prioritize

Sometimes it's difficult to know what to do when- it's Monday and you have two tests on Wednesday, an essay due Friday, and a big game Wednesday night. Take the class, difficulty, and time required to complete the work into consideration when you make a list of what needs to get done, when. Then, take the things on this list one at a time.

## 3. Plan out your week

When you start getting super busy, which will inevitably happen, make a schedule of when you're going to study for certain tests, write your essays, and prepare for your game. Know how long it takes you to accomplish each task (writing a solid essay, studying for a test in this or that class) so that you can take the time you need to get whatever it is done on time.

## 4. Plan out your day

With a variety of classes, practice schedules, game days, and potentially other responsibilities, set a plan each day of what you're going to do. Personally, I like to start my day from the morning because it's almost always the same- wake up, then go to school. After that it can take some time to work out, but be sure to make the schedule. It really helps.

## 5. Stick to your plan and avoid distractions

Ever heard of Do Not Disturb? When you get home from practice, give yourself 10 minutes to get caught up on what you've missed. Then, turn on that Do Not Disturb and get down to work. Also, placing your phone out of sight (like behind your computer) is psychologically proven to reduce the chances that you'll get distracted and want to just "quickly check" your snaps.

## 6. It's ok to say "no" to your friends

Social lives are important, no doubt. But if you (hopefully!) have a lot of friends, it can get difficult saying no to them, especially if they don't have an event when you do. If the bus leaves at 8am, don't plan to stay out later than 11pm. Strike a balance between going out and focusing on your sport (and all of that is after you've focused on school).

## 7. Get (but don't take for granted) some extra time for big assignments

Know you're going to have an overbooked week ahead? Rather than pull an all-nighter, ask your teachers for an extension. Even an extra day or two can make a huge difference. Remember, your teachers (and coaches!) are people too, who probably went through something similar when they were in high school and college

## 8. If you planned correctly, you shouldn't need to skip practice at all

Just because you have a mountain of homework and fifteen upcoming tests doesn't mean that you should skip practice- it just means that you need to plan your time efficiently and grind through the work. By going to practice, you will actually help reduce your stress, as exercise (particularly high intensity exercise in the afternoon) has a huge effect on reducing stress.

## 9. Eat healthy

As an athlete, eating healthy foods every day is critically important for proper muscle growth and bone development. This means something green every, single, day, along with proper calcium, carbohydrates, and proteins. Remember to stay hydrated- your water bottle is your most important asset during the day, even if you're wearing masks in school. Just take a minute to step out into the hall and grab a sip.

## 10. Sleep

This is another thing you can't sacrifice, but it's so important it needs to be specifically explained. In brief, sleep keeps you alive. Not only does it improve memory and concentration for your school, it gives your muscles a time to recover from practice and get ready to be exerted again. Set a "latest" bedtime that will allow you to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Students need sleep. Athletes need even more. Student-athletes need the most.

We at Inspirit want you to learn better, faster, and nothing helps this more than strong time management and organizational skills. Additionally, proper study skills are critical. If you want to ace your exams, check out our helpful [study guides](https://www.inspiritvr.com/study-guides) and cheat sheets on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If for some reason you don't want to ace your exams, go read this article on motivation. Then, go and check out the study guides and cheat sheets, along with the corresponding VR based live rooms!


School is hard enough by itself. There's endless homework, important tests to study for, and a complex social dynamic that must be taken into account. Then, there's athletics. 