Expanding Career Exploration Through Virtual Learning in Oklahoma

At Epic Charter Schools in Oklahoma, students are exploring career pathways in a fully virtual environment thanks to iCEV. As a statewide online school serving a diverse student population, Epic uses iCEV to power its Virtual Internship Program, helping students gain real-world skills and industry certifications from anywhere.

For Career Pathway Director Anita Manuel, flexibility is key. “Our students have a lot of freedom,” she explains. This model is especially impactful for students in rural areas or those balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.

Through iCEV, students can pursue one of 18 industry certifications or explore careers through customized learning pathways. The program allows students to test out potential careers before committing to further education. “They’re learning before they go into a large time or money investment, before going down a path that they end up not enjoying,” Manuel says.

That flexibility extends to instruction as well. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, educators tailor content to each student’s interests, helping drive engagement and deeper learning. “We don’t have to deliver a course from start to finish. We can pull out different lessons, make it relevant for an individual student,” Manuel explains.

Students apply what they’ve learned through capstone projects that showcase real-world skills, from building websites to practicing culinary arts to designing 3D models. These experiences help students develop critical thinking and career-ready abilities, even in a virtual setting.

Beyond career exploration, iCEV helps students take tangible next steps. Some earn certifications and move directly into the workforce, while others continue their education based on a strong foundation. “Having a certification in their back pocket when they graduate high school makes them much more marketable going out into the workforce,” Manuel says.

Epic Charter Schools’ success demonstrates that, with the right tools, virtual learning not only delivers content but also expands access, opens doors to opportunities, and helps students gain valuable career skills.