Transforming Middle School Workforce Development for 21st-Century Education

This report summarizes the 2024 program of the Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition for middle school students, one of MTI’s signature workforce development initiatives. Building on the foundation of the Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures Program established in 1997 by former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater, the competition aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in transportation while providing insights into its structure and impact for future improvements. In addition to documenting the value this program offers to stakeholders, including students, communities, and the transportation industries, this year’s report also explains transformations we applied to adapt the program to the 21st century educational landscape. MTI has sponsored a competition every year since 2003 and over 1,300 students have participated. Today, the Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition is open to middle school classes, clubs, after-school programs, and any other youth-serving organizations in the U.S. Feedback from the 2024 competition highlights positive trends, with participants appreciating support from both professional and youth mentors, as well as effective communication from MTI. Overall, the program fostered meaningful connections and practical learning. Plans for future programs with further resources, improvements, and components to increase competition are already underway for 2025.