Driving Innovation in CTE: Upper Bucks County Technical School and Patrick Chrinko Named zSpace School and Educator of Distinction

Rhea-AI Summary

zSpace announced that Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) has been named a zSpace School of Distinction, with automotive instructor Patrick Chrinko recognized as a zSpace Educator of Distinction for their innovative use of AR/VR technology in career and technical education. The initiative, launched in 2020 by Executive Director Dr. Michael Herrera, successfully integrated zSpace's AR/VR platform to combat pandemic-related learning loss. The automotive program was transformed into an interactive learning environment where students can engage with complex systems virtually before working on physical vehicles. UBCTS has become a statewide model for immersive technology in career readiness, using the platform for curriculum enhancement, safety improvement, student recruitment, and advocacy efforts.

Positive

• Successful implementation of AR/VR technology in technical education demonstrates product effectiveness
• Recognition as School of Distinction validates zSpace's market position in educational technology
• Platform's ability to maintain educational continuity during pandemic showcases adaptability
• Growing adoption and recognition in technical schools expands market opportunities

Negative

• None.

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- zSpace (NASDAQ: ZSPC) (“”zSpace” or the “Company”), a leading provider of augmented and virtual reality solutions for education, today announced that Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) has been named a zSpace School of Distinction, and automotive instructor Patrick Chrinko recognized as a zSpace educator of Distinction for their leadership in integrating immersive technology into career and technical education (CTE). The honors reflect UBCTS’s innovative use of AR/VR to enhance student engagement and workforce readiness.

This honor highlights a bold initiative launched in 2020, when UBCTS Executive Director Dr. Michael Herrera introduced zSpace's AR/VR platform to combat learning loss during the pandemic and reimagine hands-on learning for hybrid and remote environments.

“When schools shut down in 2020, we didn’t just adapt—we accelerated,” said Dr. Herrera. “We knew immersive, interactive technology would be key to sustaining student learning in CTE. zSpace allowed us to keep students engaged, safe, and progressing toward real careers—even during a global crisis.”

Transforming Automotive Education Through AR/VR

While Dr. Herrera set the strategic vision, instructor Patrick Chrinko brought it to life. A leader in immersive instruction, Chrinko transformed the school’s automotive lab into an interactive learning environment where students engage with complex systems—like engine mechanics and electrical circuits—before ever touching a physical vehicle.

“zSpace has revolutionized how I teach,” Chrinko said. “My students don’t just learn about engines—they’re immersed in them. They gain visual, hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world diagnostics and decision-making.”

Compared to traditional PowerPoint-based instruction, Chrinko’s AR/VR-based teaching model is more efficient, engaging, and impactful. Students can simulate tool use, diagnose virtual system malfunctions, and build practical knowledge in a safe, interactive environment.

See this transformation firsthand in these short videos that captures UBCTS students exploring careers through immersive technology:
YouTube – Exploring Careers with zSpace at UBCTS
Revolutionizing Automotive Education Using zSpace AR/VR

A Model for Future-Ready CTE

UBCTS has quickly become a statewide model for how immersive technology can elevate career readiness. The school uses zSpace not only to enhance curriculum and improve safety but also to support recruitment and advocacy.

Prospective students touring UBCTS can explore programs through 3D simulations, sparking interest and boosting enrollment. The school also hosts legislators and education leaders for hands-on demos, showcasing the value of immersive learning in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

“When policymakers experience this technology, they don’t just hear about innovation—they feel it,” said Dr. Herrera. “That’s a game-changer for advocacy.”

Chrinko has led statewide demonstrations to share best practices, while Dr. Herrera continues to champion AR/VR integration at conferences across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Recognition Reflects a Blueprint for Innovation

The national recognition of UBCTS and Mr. Chrinko underscores what’s possible when schools embrace innovation. Their success stands as a blueprint for how immersive learning can deepen engagement, drive enrollment, and shape the future of career and technical education.

About Upper Bucks County Technical School

Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) is a leader in hands-on, career-focused education. Through strategic investment in emerging technologies and strong industry partnerships, UBCTS prepares students with the credentials, skills, and real-world experience needed to thrive in high-demand careers.

About zSpace
zSpace, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZSPC) delivers innovative augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences that drive achievement in STEM, CTE, and career readiness programs. Trusted by over 3,500 school districts, technical centers, community colleges, and universities, zSpace allows students and teachers to experience learning in the classroom that may otherwise be dangerous, impossible, counterproductive, or expensive using traditional techniques. Headquartered in San Jose, California, zSpace holds over 70 patents and our hands-on “learning by doing” solutions have been shown to enhance the learning process and drive higher student test scores, as evidenced by a study on the utility of 3D virtual reality technologies for student knowledge gains published in the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning in 2021.

Contacts

Press Contact:
Amanda Austin
press@zspace.com
408-498-4050

Investor Relations Contact:
Gateway Group
Cody Slach
949.574.3860
ZSPC@gateway-grp.com

Image 1 – Legislators Visit UBCTS
Legislators and education leaders explore zSpace at UBCTS to see how AR/VR transforms CTE instruction.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7795795-dbf5-4327-8aeb-0e273a7303f5

Image 2—Middle School Engagement
Middle schoolers get hands-on with zSpace and discover future careers through immersive CTE learning at UBCTS.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a098ab68-69a3-4134-90f4-8d7453bacaf0

FAQ

What recognition did Upper Bucks County Technical School receive from zSpace (ZSPC)?

UBCTS was named a zSpace School of Distinction, and automotive instructor Patrick Chrinko was recognized as a zSpace Educator of Distinction for their leadership in integrating AR/VR technology into career and technical education.

How is zSpace (ZSPC) being used in automotive education at UBCTS?

zSpace's AR/VR platform is used to create an interactive learning environment where students can engage with complex systems like engine mechanics and electrical circuits virtually before working on physical vehicles.

When did UBCTS implement zSpace's (ZSPC) AR/VR platform?

UBCTS implemented zSpace's AR/VR platform in 2020 as part of an initiative to combat learning loss during the pandemic and reimagine hands-on learning for hybrid and remote environments.

What are the benefits of using zSpace (ZSPC) in technical education?

The platform enables more efficient and engaging instruction, allows students to simulate tool use and diagnose virtual system malfunctions safely, supports student recruitment, and helps in advocacy efforts with policymakers.

How is UBCTS using zSpace (ZSPC) for student recruitment?

Prospective students can explore programs through 3D simulations during school tours, which helps spark interest and boost enrollment. The school also hosts demonstrations for legislators and education leaders.