The transformative potential of Virtual and Augmented Reality applications has sparked significant interest in educational contexts based on the exciting types of real-world learning experiences they can afford students to develop complex skills (Suryodiningrat et al., 2023). As an extension of Project LEAPES (a grant initiative aiming to promote STEM degrees across a midwestern state), this research team recently facilitated 44 VIVE XR Elite VR headsets to 44 teachers in rural schools to explore how VR and AR learning experiences can address increasing demands for STEM-related jobs in the United States (National Science Board, 2020). Thus, this research began as a scoping review over the suggested benefits and challenges associated with how VR and AR learning applications were being used with K-12 students in STEM contexts. Scoping procedures revealed a tremendous lack of research related to VR and AR applications being used in American K-12 STEM contexts. Of the limited eleven applicable articles, suggested benefits included increased student engagement and learning, improved perceptions of STEM subjects, and greater access to quality learning opportunities that develop complex knowledge and skills. Suggested challenges included physical side effects, complex learning curves, cultural relevancy, and high costs. Implications for ongoing project initiatives and future research efforts relating to VR and AR STEM learning applications are discussed.