Tuesday, March 18, 2003
DOT 21-03
Contact: Robyn Boerstling
Telephone: (202) 366-1707
Secretary Mineta also took this as an opportunity to
promote careers in transportation. “Transportation
careers are exciting and there’s no end to their variety,” Secretary Mineta
said. “Students in mathematics,
science, and technology can follow a natural path to practical applications in
the transportation systems of tomorrow. We
will need their skill and talent.”
Secretary Mineta stressed that
transportation workers make important contributions to prosperity and noted that
technological innovation fuels progress. “We are connected to the world
through travel and trade and transportation systems.
Innovation and achievement have enabled this country to become the most
powerful economic nation in the world,” Secretary Mineta said.
U.S. Department of Transportation agencies have partnered
with transportation industries to inspire young men and women to follow
transportation studies and careers. Volunteers
in the Department’s Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures
Program have developed an educational web site at http://education.dot.gov/;
its Internet links provide
resources for teachers of math, science, and technologies.
Likewise, the maritime industry, under leadership of the
Maritime Administration (MARAD), launched a mariner recruitment initiative to
attract students to work in ship operations, where shortages are becoming
critical. MARAD’s U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy, a four-year top rated college, produces leaders for the maritime
industry.
The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit
Administration and other agencies also provide extensive education support and
outreach programs addressing the need for skilled transportation workers.
These efforts, too, are described at http://education.dot.gov
and on other transportation agency web sites.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) co-sponsors
Aviation Career Education (ACE) summer camp programs, which are held throughout
the country. Through its Education
Council Program, volunteers from FAA visit communities nationwide to share
knowledge with educators and students. Additional
information about the FAA education program is at http://www1.faa.gov/education/index.htm.
For further information about Excellence in Science,
Technology and Mathematics Education Week, go to www.ostp.gov/html/ESTME.html).
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