Transcript TRAC & RIDES Program update

TRAC & RIDES
Program Update
AASHTO Spring Meeting 2014
Matt Dunn – MDOT
What is TRAC?
• Transportation and Civil Engineering
• Students participate in hands-on activities to solve
real-world problems through math, physical science,
and social science.
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Bridge Design
City Planning
Design and Construction
Environmental Engineering
Highway Safety
Magnetic Levitation
Motion
Traffic Technology
What is RIDES?
• Roadways Into Developing Elementary Students
• RIDES introduces elementary students to
engineering and transportation careers
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Laws of Motion
Inertia and Safety
Transportation Careers
Environmental Topics
Roadway Geometry
Using Maps
Related transportation topics
TRAC & RIDES Mission
To introduce students in grades K-12 to the
working world of transportation, especially civil
engineering, and inspire them to consider careers
in those fields.
History of TRAC and RIDES
• The TRAC program was established in 1993 as a
sort of traveling road show to advertise careers
in civil engineering to high school students
• 55 transportation related activities
• Ten years later it evolved into a comprehensive
program taught in a “laboratory-style” setting
• The RIDES program was established in 2004 in
Mississippi and adopted by AASHTO in 2011
• Education outreach for grades K – 8
• 75 activities in easy to teach lessons
Why start at an early age?
Why start at an early age?
Why start at an early age?
Why the TRAC & RIDES programs
are relevant
• Both programs are aligned with the National
Standards for Math and Science and the Core
Curriculum Standards of Learning and are
designed for use in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM) classes.
• ASCE Article August 2011
“There is a need and an opportunity to provide STEM
education at all levels of our education system, to
promote the pursuit of STEM careers, and to guide
qualified students toward civil engineering careers
and to help keep America competitive in a global
economy.”
Why is this program important to
you?
• Quote from the US Dept. of Commerce:
• “STEM workers drive our nation’s innovation and
competitiveness by generating new ideas, new
companies, and new industries. However, U.S.
businesses frequently voice concerns over the supply
and availability of STEM workers. Over the past 10
years, growth in STEM jobs was three times as fast as
growth in non-STEM jobs.”
• The need is great. The US is getting short on its
supply of engineers, and our future workforce is in
jeopardy.
Why is this program important to
you?
• Getting kids interested early is key
• Starting in Kindergarten teaching transportation
themed lessons
• Ending in high schools where students are building
bridges and using CAD and design software.
• National Bridge Competition
• The kids are truly impressive and through experiences
understand why engineers are important.
• We want to ensure that this program keeps inspiring
kids to get into engineering programs and careers as
adults
Current program statistics
• Since the program was re-booted in 2008, TRAC/RIDES has
grown from 4 states to 23 states
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Alaska
Arizona
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Hawaii
Illinois
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Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Mississippi
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
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New York
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
West Virginia
• Virginia, Kentucky, and Utah have indicated participation in
the program beginning this year
• We currently have a program manager, coordinator, and
AASHTO staff overseeing and handling the aspects of the
program.
Current program statistics
• Recent Survey
conducted and of 8
active TRAC & RIDES
states.
• Michigan and Mississippi
have integrated program
into their schools
• Michigan offers a
scholarship to program
participants.
Current program statistics
• However, this is a critical time for the program
• Not enough states actively participating to sustain
it financially
• Only 12 States are actively participating this Fiscal Year
• Sponsorships
• AECOM, Bentley, ACPA, Venier, IRD, NCSPA
• We are actively looking for additional sources of
funds, but as you know, it “takes money to make
money”
Sources of additional funds
• Federal On-The-Job-Training (OJT) funds
• Looking for new partners
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Local Technical Assistance Programs
STEM Education Coalition
Departments of Public Instructions
Boards of Education
Other Non-Profits
TRAC and Rides program future
• A business plan is being developed
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First draft has been produced
To assess the current status of this program
To outline potential new participation
To outline revenue options that will help sustain
and expand them
• Finalized by Fall 2014
Proposed changes to the programs
organizational structure
Meetings and
Member
Services
Moved
TRAC & RIDES
Program
SCOFA
TRAC & RIDES
Advisory
Committee
Engineering
TRAC & RIDES
Program
Proposed
Move
SCOH
TRAC & RIDES
Advisory
Committee
TRAC and Rides program future
• The program would stay a voluntary technical
service program, but we are hoping to get more
SCOH members involved in the implementation and
decision-making of the program
• Ultimately, in order for this program to succeed
• Interest from SCOH
• Financial support from states
• Goal in 2014 is to have 30 member departments
participating
• Invoices for the Technical Service Programs will be
sent out in July, and TRAC will be one of the choices.
TRAC & RIDES Program update
AASHTO Spring Meeting 2014
Matt Dunn – MDOT
Questions?