Youth, Community, and the Future of Mobility: Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition 2024-2025

Abstract:

This perspective summarizes one of MTI’s signature workforce development programs, the Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition1 for middle school students, and positions the program as a valuable model of experiential learning that bridges classroom content with real-world challenges to empower youth and build the transportation workforce pipeline. This project serves as an archive of the year’s unique transportation theme and prompts, as well as participating teams and their submissions. It also documents changes to the competition, demonstrates value to stakeholders, and explores areas for improvement.

Publications:

Youth, Community, and the Future of Mobility: Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition 2024-2025 (Perspective)

Authors:

Lisa V. Rose
Lisa V. Rose has been MTI’s Editor since 2020, focusing on amplifying innovative research through authentic, compelling stories that reach policymakers, practitioners, and the public. She is the driving force behind much of MTI’s communications, including speeches, grant writing, newsletters, web content, and research reports. She collaborates with her colleagues, researchers, students, and industry partners to help ensure transportation is for everyone. Lisa also supports MTI’s workforce development programs, contributing to lesson plans and program materials that inspire the next generation of transportation leaders. With an MA in English from San José State University, she uses her expertise in education and writing to highlight the people and ideas that advance mobility for all.

Alverina Weinardy
Alverina Weinardy first joined MTI as a graduate student research assistant in 2017, and returned as Public Programs Coordinator in 2022. Currently, she serves as MTI’s Director of Operations. Alverina plays a vital role in the execution of MTI’s workforce development programs and other public-facing events. She has successfully delivered a variety of K-12 programs, including the Mineta Summer Transportation Institute, Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition, Elementary Poster Contest, and Mineta Essay Contest, by leveraging industry partnerships.

Published:

October 2025

Keywords:

Transportation careers

Workforce development

STEAM education

Middle school students

Community outreach