LaHood Kicks Off Program to Get More Women Working in Transportation

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is working to get women on the move — literally.

In what seems to be a predominantly male-dominated industry, there is now a national push to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology and to help them achieve their goals.

In late September, LaHood announced the launch of the pilot Entrepreneurial Training and Technical Assistance Women and Girls Program. The new program, managed by a partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Spelman College, 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.

Transportation is one of the most challenging and exciting industries in the country right now,” Secretary LaHood said. “We’d love to see the women at Spelman and students at high schools, colleges, and universities around the country become our transportation leaders for the 21st century and come work at the U.S. Department of Transportation.”

The partnership will create an internship and mentoring program to bring more female students into transportation-related careers and help them gain hands-on experience. It will also help small women-owned transportation companies to complete for DOT contracts, and make sure they get the technical and finance assistance they need to succeed.

The partnership supports President Obama’s the mission and work of White House Council on Women and Girls.   –Tina Grady Barbaccia