Pathways Intern Counsels Baltimore Youth
U.S.DOT – FHWA Offers
SUMMER STUDENT SEMINAR SESSION:
Continuing Education Matters
in Support of Baltimore YouthWorks Initiative

On July 29, 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)'s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) hosted more than 200 students from Baltimore for "Continuing Education Matters," a Summer Student Seminar Session. The event, which included interns hosted by the FHWA and City of Baltimore , was held at the War Memorial Building in downtown Baltimore.

FHWA Maryland Division Administrator Gregory Murrill, with Serena Matthews-Parrish, from FHWA's Office of Human Resources, and Adrienne Barnes, from the City of Baltimore, kicked off the event by encouraging local young people, ranging in age from 14-21. During the event, participants heard about "Local Opportunities of Higher Education" from a panel of speakers representing Coppin State University, Morgan State University, Baltimore City Community College and ITT Technical Institute.

Students also heard from a team of FHWA employees including Elisa Allen, Crystal Taylor and Denver Sicay from the Office of Human Resources, as well as FHWA's Maryland Division Office Pathways Intern Jared Woodward. During their discussion with participants, FHWA employees focused on topics including Why Pursue Higher Education, Financing Education, and Volunteering—A Rewarding Experience. To close the session, Jared Woodward spoke to participants on his experiences over the past three years as an intern. "Remember one thing," he said. "Believe in yourself because when you start to doubt yourself you become your own worst enemy. You can do it! Never say you can't! Never give up because if you do, you will be burden with a lifetime of regrets. Go to college and stay strong!"

Following the civil unrest in Baltimore last April, the USDOT worked with the U.S. Department of Labor to support Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s goal of providing summer internships for the 8,000 Baltimore YouthWorks applicants. FHWA's Maryland Division Office worked closely with the Office of U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to encourage local partner and stakeholder transportation agencies to support the city by hosting YouthWorks interns as well. FHWA’s Maryland Division Office and the agency's Eastern Legal Services Office hosted five interns as well. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Baltimore office also supported the effort by arranging field trips to educate interns on commercial vehicle operations and safety.

This was part of a five-seminar educational series developed by FHWA's Office Human Resources to enhance the experience of YouthWorks interns.