RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Reid Whiting 757-925-2584 Reid.Whiting@VDOT.virginia.gov

HRO-0542 July 20, 2005

VDOT INSPIRES CAREERS IN TRANSPORTATION Hampton Roads Students Learn the Rules of the Road at the Summer Transportation Institute

SUFFOLK – This summer the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Hampton University are educating area ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders about the numerous opportunities available in the transportation industry. While many local teens are hitting the beach and enjoying the summer sun, VDOT is teaching this year’s class how to build bridges and pave the way for careers in transportation at the fifth annual Summer Transportation Institute (STI) in Hampton.

During this four week residential program, VDOT employees from across the state are giving students a glimpse into the inner workings of Hampton Roads transportation. Students have visited bridges and VDOT offices throughout the area to learn about engineering and the current state of the transportation industry. This Thursday, July 21, they will take a trip to the VDOT Smart Traffic Center in Virginia Beach to learn how intelligent transportation can maximize the efficiency of a complex road system.

“There are so many careers in transportation. Our goal is to help recruit the next generation of bridge engineers, highway designers, pavement experts, and bright transportation leaders by teaching these students what it takes to succeed in our business,” said Smart Traffic Center Manager Stephany Hanshaw.

Students are introduced to a diversity of transportation related careers when they visit with other industry partners including NASA at Langley, Fort Eustis Transportation Museum, Virginia Air and Space Museum, Busch Gardens, and the Nauticus Museum. Through a combination of academic enrichment, field trips, presentations, projects, and recreational events, students emerge from the program more knowledgeable and better equipped for college life.

“These students have to understand that a vast majority of careers in the transportation industry will require a college degree,” said Dr. Sonja Pollard-Mitchell, Hampton University’s STI director. “The academic portion of the institute works to enhance academic strengths and address academic deficiencies.”

The STI is a free national summer program for ambitious secondary school students interested in the transportation industry. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) fund the program.


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