News and Events

On Friday, April 12th, The Alabama Transportation Institute (ATI) hosted its inaugural Transportation Awareness Day, at the Hale County College and Career Academy in Greensboro, AL. This event aimed to provide elementary and middle school students in the area with unique opportunities to explore careers in transportation. ATI believes that by exposing students to the exciting world of transportation, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Through this event, we hope to instill a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning that will serve students well as they consider their future career.

The primary objective of Transportation Awareness Day was to foster awareness of transportation careers and to promote interdisciplinary learning experiences among students. By engaging with interactive exhibits hosted by transportation researchers and entities from across the state, 310 students in grades 5-8 gained valuable insights into the diverse array of career paths available within the transportation industry.

The program for Transportation Awareness Day included a range of interactive exhibits designed to capture the imagination of young learners. From hands-on demonstrations by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and Betabox, to informative presentations by ATI researchers and touch-a-truck with Hale County EMS and Tuscaloosa Police Department, students had the chance to explore various facets of transportation, including emergency vehicles, intelligent transportation systems, road safety, infrastructure development, and sustainable transportation solutions. This event presented a fantastic opportunity for young students to discover the breadth of career possibilities within the transportation sector and to ignite their interest in STEM-related fields.

Transportation Awareness Day was made possible through the collaborative efforts of ATI and its partners including the Center for Regional & Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2), educational institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. Together, they are committed to empowering young minds and building a brighter future for the transportation workforce.