Background

The Regional Simulation Partnership (RSP) was initiated by the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (UCPCOG) as part of its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to develop an innovative and talented workforce within the region. 

The Regional Simulation Partnership (RSP) quickly evolved into the NC Simulation Station (NCSS), and built a diverse partnership that spans two continents. The NCSS is an international partnership that plans to use electronic software games to help in school and out of school youth learn about career occupations and their work environments. We have defined this as a Game Based Career Pathway (GBCP) initiative.

The NCSS partners will work to provide assistance and referrals to participating youth to help them obtain additional education, training, and/or work experience needed to advance their career opportunities. The first phase of work, during the 2019-2020 time frame, will revolve around the pilot projects initiated in the UCPCOG’s RSP project, and follow up phases will involve building the NCSS partner network to initiate projects in areas outside of the UCPCOG region.

The NC Simulation Station (NCSS) is a web resource sponsored by the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (UCPCOG) and the Turning Point Workforce Development Board (TPWDB). The NC Simulation Station site will be used to provide updates on regional and/or state progress to advance the game based career pathways approach, the games and simulations being used, and a contact page for potential partners or sponsors to contact us to find out how to join this effort.

Career Pathway Reference Chart

The first phase of the UCPCOG’s RSP project focused on one or more of the game simulations listed in our Games section. It ran through the calendar years 2019-2021, and it focused on in-school youth. The RSP worked with the Northampton Countyl School District to pilot the GBCP concept. The students liked the experience, and Northampton County invested in more gaming content for its students.

The second phase of the UCPCOG’s RSP project is focused on working with additional community partners, and discussions are underway to build partnerships to create more pathway options. The RSP will evaluate potential partnership scenarios for the additional simulation efforts as partners and funding opportunities develop.

As the concept grows it is our hope that more partners around the state can join us to advance game simulated career pathways, and build out resources that help to generate career interest across North Carolina via the NC Simulation Station.