Harper College is closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day (Observed).
Preparing students for tomorrow’s workforce requires more than traditional classroom
learning. It demands innovation, adaptability, and access to tools that meet students
where they are. Through the Resource for Excellence (RFE) Grant Program, the Harper College Educational Foundation is proud to support forward‑thinking projects that help Harper students build real‑world
skills and confidence for life beyond graduation. One such investment is VMock, an AI‑powered resume platform funded through RFE to strengthen Harper’s Enrollment
to Employment efforts.
VMock was implemented by the Job Placement Resource Center (JPRC) to respond to a growing demand for resume and job‑search support. Over the past several years, student requests for resume assistance have increased significantly, stretching the capacity of a small team of workforce coordinators. VMock provides an innovative solution by offering students instant, personalized feedback on resume content, formatting, and alignment with employer expectations.
Since its launch, VMock has expanded access to career readiness support for a wider range of Harper students, including Career and Professional Education, Adult Educational Development, ESL students, and alumni, groups that previously had limited access to individualized resume services. By automating early‑stage resume review, VMock allows workforce coordinators to focus their time on high‑impact services such as mock interviews, job‑search strategies, and career coaching.
The results demonstrate the power of this investment. During the first year of implementation, overall resume services increased by more than 40%, with hundreds of students using the VMock platform either independently or in combination with one‑on‑one advising. Usage has continued to grow, with students improving resume scores through repeated revisions and taking advantage of advanced features such as job‑posting optimization and network feedback from Harper staff.
Beyond the numbers, VMock represents a broader commitment to innovation and equity. The platform supports diverse learning styles, accommodates busy schedules, and provides 24/7 access to career resources to remove barriers that can stand between students and opportunity.
The Harper College Educational Foundation is proud to invest in solutions like VMock through the Resource for Excellence program. By empowering Harper employees to pilot creative, scalable ideas, the Foundation helps ensure students are not only prepared for today’s challenges—but equipped to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow.
To learn more about the Job Placement Resource Center and VMock, please visit the JPRC webpage.