This project involves developing a gamified virtual familiarization training protocol for astronauts using an extended reality (XR) user interface (UI) in a head-mounted display (HMD) (e.g. Meta Quest Pro). The purpose of the training simulation is to familiarize (orient) users with basic hand, voice, and eye controls, and to provide an accelerated process for building familiarity and aptitude with the XR user interface, as well as assess and elevate digital user competency. The design, development, and testing of the training protocol is student-led, giving them hands-on experience in developing XR technologies. By working alongside NASA practitioners and faculty mentors, students have been able to contribute to NASA's missions and programs, while receiving work experiences that enable them to enter the workforce job-ready. Students have gained globally highdemand skills experience in virtual reality software development, user experience/user interface (UX/UI) design, and Agile product management. Additionally, this project helps create structured and accessible experiential learning opportunities for students at Wichita State to engage with NASA's experts and help solve problems that are critical to NASA's mission. This program has been instrumental in the development of highly-valued technology talent for our state, which has helped open collaboration opportunities with local and regional employers. Additionally, this project is serving as a prototype for scalable future research and development projects operating out of the Open XR Lab in the College of Innovation and Design at Wichita State. In addition to managing XR development, faculty in the Open XR Lab assess team dynamics, psychological safety, and performance outcomes related to Agile product management processes, all while developing high-demand professional digital and human skill sets in a student cohort. Future work for this research project includes IRB-approved human-in-the-loop (HITL) testing to assess familiarization outcomes and an in-person site visit to Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas. There, students will present their work to NASA researchers.