Transportation YOU
What is Transportation YOU Program?
Transportation YOU is a hands-on, interactive, free mentoring program that offers young women ages 13-18 an introduction to a wide variety of transportation careers. Through the program, WTS chapters work to make a difference in the lives of young girls by offering programs and activities that will spark their interest in all modes of transportation and encourage them to take courses in math, science, and technology, which are the stepping stones to exciting careers that can change the face of the transportation industry.
Our program is led by over 30 women professionals (engineers, planners, marketing, and finance professionals) who volunteer their time as mentors*. Throughout the program year, both mentors and mentees have the opportunity to explore what makes the transportation industry so important and learn about how it impacts their every lives.
What are the goals and benefits of Transportation YOU?
- Educate and empower young women regarding opportunities in the transportation industry
- Connect mentees with role models through mentorship programs with professional women
- Provide internships and career development opportunities
- Help mentees build leadership skills and self-confidence
- Make STEM education more accessible through scholarship opportunities
- Build awareness of transportation as an exciting and rewarding career option
- Contribute to the diversity and creativity of our transportation workforce
- Create network of professionals in the public and private transportation industries
Events run from 10AM - 2PM in the Philadelphia region. Program Schedule subject to change, updates to be provided via email.
Register today for our 2023-2024 School Year CLICK HERE
Registration is on an open enrollment basis!
Take a Journey Through Past Transportation YOU Events
September - Norristown Area Community Day
Our TrYOU co-chairs, Madelyn Marquardt (pictured left) and Gina Venuto-Gabriella (pictured right) attended the annual Community Day at Norristown Area High School as part of our efforts to engage young people in STEM.
They spent the morning encouraging hundreds of high school students to join us for our TrYOU 2023 - 2024 program year. We are always looking for opportunities to inspire the next generation of leaders in STEM!
November - College Panel with Student Chapter
On November 11th, our TrYOU and Student Chapter invited TrYOU mentees to STV for a college panel with three Student Chapter representatives: Jasmine Siyu Wu, Ruqaya Alfaris, and Sayali Kargaonkar. They shared their experiences from both undergraduate and graduate school, focused on majors related to the transportation industry. Additionally, they offered advice, wisdom, and their favorite personal memories. Kiera Crenny served as the panel moderator.
Following lunch and networking, the panel discussion continued on interview basics. The topics included what to wear, how to prepare, and how to follow up. These basics were also provided on take-home tip sheets. The event wrapped up with an interview “toolbox” to personally stand out in their next interview. We wish these future transportation professionals the very best on their next interview!
November - Free Library Event
To grow the 2023-2024 program and reach more young women between the ages of 13-18, our TrYOU group formed a partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia. In an event on November 17th at the Roxborough Library, students learned about the TrYOU program, WTS, and the opportunities available to them in the various STEAM fields. Api Appulingam, President of WTS Philadelphia, also presented to those in attendance about her work as Deputy Director of Aviation, Capital Development, City of Philadelphia, highlighting the recent restroom renovations at PHL. To close out the event, students participated in an interactive engineering challenge and discussed what they learned from the presentations. Many young women expressed interest in furthering their exposure to STEAM and their involvement in the program. Click here to see more photos from the event.
January - Meeting the "Woman of the Year"
On Thursday, January 26th, a group of students received a real treat, hearing from SEPTA's Aleta Evans, recount her amazing journey from being a bus operator to becoming the first woman to lead the control center! The second graders in the front row called her a trailblazer - a new word they had just learned in school! Aleta also spoke about the importance of perseverance and encouraged the young women to stay focused on their goals.
Thank you to the Free Library of Philadelphia, Roxborough Branch for partnering with us and supporting WTS Philadelphia’s mission of advancing women and advancing transportation through our TrYOU mentoring program! Click here to see photos from the event!
Questions?
Contact [email protected]
*Note that all of our mentors have undergone the background checks required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.