The American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) Scholar Task Force, comprising past scholarship recipients now working in the industry, recently hosted approximately 40 young industry professionals and interested individuals at APTA’s offices in Washington. The group—led by Task Force Chair Larry Duhon Jr., technology project manager, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority—discussed current initiatives and future plans during their visit.

Building on the results of a survey conducted by the task force, the group examined three main objectives: creating a transfer mentor program, developing continuing education and networking opportunities through webinars and conferences for scholarship recipients, and establishing a transit professionals program to place interns in public transit agencies.

In addition, the group worked to ascertain ways that APTF could work with such organizations as Young Professionals in Transportation, WTS, Transportation Learning Center, and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials to create information repositories on groups, internships, education, training, and schools that have dedicated transportation programs.

Also in attendance were APTF Chair Bonnie Shepherd, vice president, northeast transportation, Hatch Mott MacDonald, and Jill Chen Stober, a 2008-2009 scholarship recipient; transportation planner, KFH Group Inc.; and APTF board member.

Videos from this meeting are available for viewing online.