About the Program
This program, based on a successful pilot with Spelman College that U.S. DOT announced with Congressman John Lewis and Office of Small (OSDBU) Director Brandon Neal in 2009, is part of a broader effort led by the White House to ensure that federal programs and policies take into account the distinct needs and concerns of women and girls.
The U.S. DOT Women In Transportation Initiative is an internship program and is available in all 13 OSDBU regions, enabling young women from colleges and universities across the country to participate. It is administered through the department's 13 Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC) which provide resources, technical assistance and outreach to all 50 states and U.S. territories, each SBTRC is responsible for placing qualified female college students in transportation related internships throughout their regions.
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Goals of the Program
The goals of the program are to increase the participation of women in the transportation industry and prepare young women to become our nation's future leaders. To accomplish these goals, the program will:
- Creates Ladders of Opportunity to careers and internships in the transportation industry.
- Educates WITI participants on the exciting opportunities available in the transportation industry and inspire them to enter the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
- Establishes strategic partnerships through the creation of the Women in Transportation Advisory Committees in each region.
- Attracts and Retains female WITI participants in transportation fields through Ladders of Opportunity.
- Identifies barriers to economic competitiveness for women particpating in the transportation industry and provide sustainability tools.