TRAC & RIDES Program UpdateAASHTO Spring Meeting 2014Matt 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. • 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• 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• Alaska • Louisiana • New York• Arizona • Maryland • North Dakota• Colorado • Michigan • Oklahoma• Connecticut • Mississippi • Oregon• Florida • Nebraska • Rhode Island• Hawaii • Nevada • West Virginia• Illinois • New Hampshire

• 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• 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• 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

SCOFA

TRAC & RIDES Advisory

Committee

SCOH

TRAC & RIDES Advisory

Committee

Meetings and Member Services

EngineeringMoved

ProposedMove

TRAC & RIDES Program

TRAC & RIDES Program

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 updateAASHTO Spring Meeting 2014Matt Dunn – MDOT

Questions?