A Personal Reflection on Second Avenue Learning and zSpace
by Tory Van Voorhis
For almost 20 years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into Second Avenue Learning, a company I founded with a simple yet ambitious goal: to reimagine how students learn by blending technology with education. Today, as I step into a new chapter with zSpace following their acquisition of Second Avenue Learning, I’m filled with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future. Second Avenue Learning and zSpace are now united, and together, we’re poised to create something truly transformative for educators, students, and learners everywhere.
This isn’t just a business milestone—it’s a personal one. I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, what Second Avenue Learning has meant to me, and why I’m so thrilled to join the zSpace team to shape the future of experiential education.
The Journey of Second Avenue Learning
When I started Second Avenue Learning in Rochester, NY, I was driven by a belief that technology could unlock the potential in every learner. As an educator at heart, I saw an opportunity to challenge the status quo of traditional education. Alongside a talented team of learning designers, programmers, artists, and subject matter experts, we built interactive tools—serious games, custom software, and blended learning solutions—that made complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Looking back, I’m proud of what we accomplished. Second Avenue Learning became a certified women-owned business that partnered with schools, universities, and organizations to deliver standards-aligned content and innovative learning environments. From creating interactive modules that brought history to life to designing training tools that empowered workforce development, we always aimed to inspire curiosity and foster success. Our mission, "It is time to reimagine learning," has guided every project, every partnership, and every late night spent refining our work.
One of my favorite memories is watching students light up as they explored our solutions—whether it was a game that made math feel like an adventure or a simulation that turned abstract science into something tangible. Those moments reinforced why I do this: to see learners of all ages discover their capabilities. Second Avenue Learning wasn’t just a company; it was a community of innovators who believed in the power of education to change lives.
Joining Second Avenue Learning and zSpace: A Perfect Fit
When I first learned about zSpace, I was struck by how closely their vision aligned with ours. Since 2007, zSpace has been a pioneer in augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) for education, delivering immersive, hands-on experiences that don’t require headsets. Their platform lets students dissect virtual frogs, repair car engines, or explore the human body in 3D—all from the classroom. It’s the kind of "learning by doing" that I’ve always championed at Second Avenue Learning.
The acquisition of Second Avenue Learning by zSpace, finalized on April 15, 2025, feels like a natural evolution. As Paul Kellenberger, zSpace’s CEO, said in our press release, “This is a transformative moment for zSpace and the future of education.” I couldn’t agree more. Second Avenue Learning and zSpace together bring a unique blend of strengths: zSpace’s cutting-edge AR/VR technology and global reach paired with our expertise in crafting tailored, interactive content. It’s a match made in EdTech heaven.
For me, joining the zSpace team is an opportunity to amplify the impact I’ve been working toward my entire career. At Second Avenue Learning, we focused on building effective, visually compelling learning environments. Now, with zSpace, I get to take that mission to a new level—merging our content creation prowess with their immersive platform to create holistic, end-to-end learning ecosystems.
Why Second Avenue Learning and zSpace Matter
The benefits of bringing Second Avenue Learning and zSpace together are endless, and they’re already sparking my imagination. For one, our combined efforts will enhance zSpace’s content library with the kind of interactive, standards-aligned modules Second Avenue Learning is known for. Imagine a student in a rural school district using zSpace’s AR/VR tools to explore a virtual chemistry lab, guided by a lesson we designed to make every reaction click. That’s the kind of inspiration we can deliver together.
Second, this partnership expands our reach. zSpace already serves over 1,500 school districts and millions of students worldwide. By integrating Second Avenue Learning’s solutions, we’ll broaden access to next-generation tools for K-12, higher education, and workforce training. Whether it’s a community college student mastering a trade or a professional upskilling through immersive simulations, Second Avenue Learning and zSpace will be there to make it happen.
Innovation is another cornerstone of this union. zSpace’s proprietary hardware and software paired with Second Avenue Learning’s agile development capabilities mean we can iterate faster and dream bigger. I’m excited to see how we’ll push the boundaries of AR/VR and blended learning to meet the evolving needs of educators and learners.
Finally, Second Avenue Learning and zSpace are about more than just tools—they’re about outcomes. Together, we’ll deliver solutions that improve engagement and academic success, backed by data and research. It’s a mission that’s deeply personal to me, rooted in my years at Second Avenue Learning and now taking flight with zSpace.
My Role at zSpace: A Vision for the Future
As I step into my new role at zSpace, I’m energized by the possibilities. I’ll be leading product strategy, a position that lets me bridge my past with Second Avenue Learning and my future with zSpace. My focus will be on making zSpace a must-have solution for schools, universities, and training programs—not just an option, but an essential part of how people learn.
I’m particularly excited to work with educators and learners to ensure our tools are accessible, intuitive, and impactful. Second Avenue Learning and zSpace will thrive by listening to our community—gathering feedback from teachers, students, and partners to shape our roadmap. I can’t wait to see how this collaboration accelerates our ability to deliver solutions that truly resonate.
Another piece of this journey that excites me is the chance to share our story. Whether it’s through blogs like this, speaking at conferences, or leading sessions at zSpace’s flagship zCon event, I’m eager to show the world what Second Avenue Learning and zSpace can do together. We’re not just building products; we’re building a movement to redefine education through immersive technology.
And let’s not forget my Rochester roots. I’ll be guiding our talented team here, fostering a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. Second Avenue Learning and zSpace will benefit from this hub of creativity, blending local expertise with zSpace’s global vision.
Looking Ahead with Second Avenue Learning and zSpace
As I write this, I’m reminded of a quote from our press release: “Joining forces with zSpace is an incredible opportunity to amplify our mission of blending technology with education to reimagine learning.” That’s exactly how I feel. Second Avenue Learning has been my passion project, my proving ground, and my pride. Now, with zSpace, I have the chance to take everything I’ve learned and apply it on a grander scale.
The future of Second Avenue Learning and zSpace is bright. Together, we’ll empower students to explore, create, and succeed in ways I could only dream of when I started out. We’ll inspire educators with tools that make teaching a joy, not a chore. And we’ll redefine what’s possible in education, one immersive experience at a time.
To everyone who’s been part of the Second Avenue Learning journey—our team, our partners, our clients—thank you. You’ve shaped me and this company into what we are today. And to the zSpace team and community, I’m honored to join you. Let’s build something extraordinary together.
Here’s to the next chapter with Second Avenue Learning and zSpace—a chapter where learning isn’t just reimagined, but redefined.
Tory Van Voorhis
zSpace Product Strategy
Founder, Second Avenue Learning
