More than 300 students investigated careers in transportation at the inaugural Transportation Awareness Day at the Hale County College and Career Academy in Greensboro on April 12, hosted by the Alabama Transportation Institute at The University of Alabama.
Students in fifth through eighth grades spoke with researchers and industry professionals about various aspects of transportation including road safety, infrastructure development and sustainable transportation solutions. Hands-on activities included opportunities to fly a small drone, interact with 3D-printed cars, and witness a Tuscaloosa police helicopter landing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, nearly one quarter of those in transportation jobs were age 55 or older as of 2022, with that number rising above 40% in some professions. Without younger workers entering transportation careers, the nation could face worker shortages and loss of knowledge in this essential industry.
“This event presented a fantastic opportunity for students to discover the breadth of career possibilities within the transportation sector and to ignite their interest in STEM-related fields,” said Dr. Hope Whiteside, STEM education research specialist at ATI. “We believe that by exposing students to the exciting world of transportation, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
Transportation Awareness Day was made possible through the collaborative efforts of ATI and its partners, including educational institutions, government agencies and industry stakeholders. Together, they are committed to empowering young minds and building a brighter future for the transportation workforce in the state of Alabama and beyond.
The next Transportation Awareness Day is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 19, 2025.
The Alabama Transportation Institute is dedicated to advancing transportation research, education and innovation to address the evolving needs of Alabama’s transportation system. By fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry, ATI seeks to drive positive change and promote sustainable transportation solutions for the benefit of all Alabamians.
