By Kyla D'Sa, WTS-DC 
July 2023 

On Wednesday April 26th, 2023, Transportation YOU partnered with Cardozo High School's TransSTEM Academy to support juniors as they navigate the college application process. This event marks the fourth year Cardozo and Transportation YOU partnered to provide students with resources, experiences, and mentors in the transportation community. The TransSTEM Academy was established at Cardozo High School in 1991 and builds bridges between high school students and the transportation industry workforce. 

The event was hosted by Brandon Buckner, the Deputy Division Administrator for the DC Division Office at Federal Highway Administration and an alumnus of Cardozo High School. Brandon’s career path shows students a real-life example of how someone in their seat can successfully build a career in the transportation industry. To open, the presentation covered a variety of topics that high school juniors should consider about the college application process. For example, career brainstorming, college researching strategies, and important discussions to have with family members.  After outlining a roadmap, Brandon shifted the discussion to the college essay. Brandon discussed tips to demystify the college essay and make the writing process less daunting. Students gained insight into what to do before starting, drafting the essay, and how to revise their writing. Students were given time to brainstorm their essay and their why. Additionally, students were able to ask Brandon questions about applying for scholarships, transitioning to college, choosing a major, campus life, and other facilitated discussion topics to help them better understand all aspects of the college experience. Events like these are imperative to provide students more one-on-one time and space to ask personalized questions. Brandon’s transportation industry experience also helps students to navigate from their seats in the TransSTEM academy to the workforce. 

The Transportation YOU Committee is planning our events for the next academic semester. If you are interested in being a speaker or getting involved, please reach out to Barbara Moreno ([email protected]).