Catalog of Transportation Education, Training, and Workforce Development Programs and Resources
July 2008

Office of Professional and Corporate Development > Catalog of Transportation Education > FHWA Programs

Office of Professional and Corporate Development

National Highway Institute (NHI) – Training and Courses

NHI is the training and education arm of FHWA that continuously helps to improve the performance of the Nation's transportation system through training. NHI is part of the Office of Professional and Corporate Development (OPCD) within FHWA. NHI was established in 1970 to provide training resources to customers, partners, and learners in every State and to upgrade the knowledge and skills of transportation personnel engaged in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our surface transportation system. NHI's goals are to train the current and future transportation workforce and effectively and quickly transfer knowledge to and among transportation professionals.

With more than 37 years of experience in serving the transportation community, NHI is sufficiently equipped to provide excellent training resources and training courses to national and international customers, partners, local governments, private organizations, and all learners from every State. Annually, NHI delivers more than 700 courses to more than 16,000 participants. The courses cover a variety of topics including structures, geotechnical, construction and maintenance, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), real estate, transportation planning, highway safety, asset management, pavement and materials, design and traffic operations, hydraulics, freight and transportation logistics, environment, business public administration and quality, and communications.

Products and services provided by NHI include a training catalog with course schedules and details, course hosting opportunities, online checkout service to pay for courses, books and training materials, online transcript request, and Web conferencing. NHI also offers beneficial resources and tools for developing effective courses, such as Instructor-Led Training (ILT), Web Conference Training (WCT), and Web-Based Training (WBT) Developer Toolkits. It also provides guidance and resources on learning that introduces learning principles, instructional system design, course development process, and more. NHI customers continue to give positive comments on NHI's quality of training and services.

To learn more about opportunities offered by NHI:
Contact Rick Barnaby by email at: Rick.Barnaby@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0520 or dial the toll free number: (877) 558-6873
or visit: http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov

Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP)

DDETFP is administered by the University and Grants Program under FHWA's Office of Professional and Corporate Development (OPCD). The program was first established in 1991 by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). It was then reauthorized in 1998 by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21); and again reauthorized in 2005 by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This program was established to attract qualified students to the fields of transportation education and research, and to advance transportation workforce development. Eligible participants are students pursing degrees in transportation-related disciplines starting from junior year to doctoral level. Eligible participants do not have to be U.S. Citizens, but must provide a certified copy of their I-20 or I-551 ID issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Full benefits of the program include tuition, stipend, and travel expenses to the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) annual meeting. Selected participants may not receive a full reward, but will receive a minimum $1,500 for travel to TRB's annual meeting. The DDETFP awards a variety of different fellowships to approximately 150-200 students annually. The various fellowships awarded under the DDETFP are listed below:

• Eisenhower Graduate (GRAD) Fellowships enable students to pursue masters or doctorates in transportation related fields at the University of their choice.

• Eisenhower Grants for Research Fellowships (GRF) acquaint undergraduate and graduate students with transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities, and provide the opportunity to conduct research on important transportation projects at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) facilities.

• Eisenhower Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fellowships provide students attending HBCUs with additional opportunities to pursue transportation-related education, which prepares them to enter careers in transportation. HBCU Fellowships also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships.

• Eisenhower Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Fellowships provide students attending HSIs with additional opportunities to pursue transportation-related education, which prepares them to enter careers in transportation. HSI Fellowships also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships.

• Eisenhower Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Fellowships provide students attending TCUs with additional opportunities to pursue transportation-related education, which prepares them to enter careers in transportation. TCU Fellowships also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships.

• Eisenhower People with Disabilities (PWD) Fellowships provide people with disabilities additional opportunities to pursue education, which prepares them to enter careers in transportation. The PWD Fellowships also serve as a feeder program for other Eisenhower fellowships.

• Eisenhower Intern Fellowships (EIF) provides students with opportunities to gain real world experience in a wide range of significant transportation-related activities at public and private-sector transportation organizations.

To learn more about DDETFP:
Contact Mr. Henry Murdaugh by email at: transportationedu@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0536
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/universitygrants.htm

Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program (GAMTTEP)

GAMTTEP is administered by the University and Grants Program under the FHWA's Office of Professional and Corporate Development (OPCD). Its purpose is to improve the preparation of students—particularly women and minorities—in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and prepare youth to become the future transportation workforce.

Former Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater established the program in May 1997 under the title of Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures Program. It is named after Garrett A. Morgan (1877-1963), a prominent African American entrepreneur and inventor. One of his most notable inventions was the traffic signal, a device that provided the foundation for managing traffic flow in the 20th century. In 2005, Congress elevated this program to a new level by funding and authorizing its establishment in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

GAMTTEP provides grants to local and State educational agencies, which may partner with institutions of higher education, public and private organizations, and others to implement programs to improve K-12 students' skills in STEM through transportation-related activities. This program focuses on:

• Building a bridge between America 's youth and the transportation community.

• Improving elementary and secondary (K-12) level students' skills in STEM through curriculum development, internships, mentoring, and other activities.

• Facilitating partnerships between the government, academia, and the private sector.

• Increasing understanding of the transportation industry and careers, and advancing the transportation workforce development.

To learn more about GAMTTEP:
Contact Mr. Henry Murdaugh by email at: transportationedu@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0536
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/universitygrants.htm

Transportation and Education Research Community of Practice (CoP)

The Transportation Education and Research CoP is administered by the University and Grants Program under the FHWA's Office of Professional and Corporate Development (OPCD). CoP is an effective Web based tool that promotes continuous learning through the exchange of knowledge between transportation officials, students, university faculty, and others interested in the field of transportation. It creates a virtual environment for all to post information regarding various highway exchange topics. The Transportation Education and Research CoP in particular promotes the exchange of information regarding ideas, experiences, and practices among transportation education professionals and peers.

To get more information:
Contact Mr. Gerald Hill by email at: Gerald.hill@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0592
or contact Mr. Henry Murdaugh by email at: henry.murdaugh@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0536
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/universitygrants.htm

Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)/Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP)

Sponsored by FHWA, LTAP/TTAP helps to increase the knowledge and skills of the transportation workforce. LTAP was established in 1982 to provide information and training programs to local agencies regarding transportation roadway and bridge maintenance. TTAP was established in 1991 to provide a training and technology transfer resource to Native American Tribes. These programs are composed of a network of 58 centers—one in every State, one in Puerto Rico, and seven regional centers serving tribal governments. Each center is a resource for local agencies providing training programs, information, technology updates, technical assistance, and newsletters.

To get more information:
Contact Clark Martin by email at: Clark.Martin@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0547
or contact Cameron Ishaq by email at: Cameron.Ishaq@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0525
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/affiliateprogram.htm or http://www.ltapt2.org

New SAFETEA-LU Provisions

Core State Program Funds for Workforce Development

The Core State Program Funds for Workforce Development is a new provision under Section 5204(e) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), that allows funds from the Surface Transportation, National Highway System, Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation, Interstate Maintenance, and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement programs, at the discretion of the States, to be used for workforce development, training, and educational purposes. Funds may be used for the purposes of training and education for in-service workers, transportation career activities, student internships, and university or community college support.

To get more information:
Contact Clark Martin by email at: Clark.Martin@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0547
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/stateprogram.htm

Training and Education/Transportation Education Development Pilot Program

Section 5204(f) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), (Public Law 109-59), provides for the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to make grants to institutions of higher education that, in partnership with industry or State departments of transportation, will develop, test, and revise new curricula and education programs to train individuals at all levels of the transportation workforce. The amount of the grants can not exceed $300,000 per year. After a recipient has received three years of Federal funding under this subsection, Federal funding may equal not more than 75 percent of a grantee's program costs. $1,875,000 in Federal funding is anticipated for each of fiscal years 2006-2009.

To get more information:
Contact Clark Martin by email at: Clark.Martin@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0547
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/stateprogram.htm

Transportation Scholarship Opportunities Program

The Transportation Scholarship Opportunities Program under Section 5505 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) authorizes nongovernmental institutions to create scholarship and mentoring programs. This program also authorizes operating administrations within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to create scholarship and mentoring programs, which most of these administrations did not have before. Funding is not provided and operating administration participation is discretionary.

To get more information:
Contact Clark Martin by email at: Clark.Martin@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (703) 235-0547
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/stateprogram.htm

Office of Human Resources

Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG)

STIPDG is funded by FHWA's Office of Civil Rights On-the-Job Training Supportive Services Program and managed by FHWA's Office of Human Resources. This program provides a ten-week summer internship opportunity primarily for groups who have been underrepresented—such as women, persons with disabilities, and students from diverse groups. Eligible participants are college/university students enrolled in a variety of disciplines. STIPDG participants receive many benefits including hands-on experience and on-the-job training at a transportation office or facility. Included is a stipend of up to $5,000 for Law or Graduate students and $4,000 for Undergraduate students. Housing arrangements and payments are also provided. Participants may also receive college credits upon completion of the program with the permission of their college/university.

To learn more about STIPDG:
Contact Serena Matthews by email at: Serena.Matthews@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-1201
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/education/stipdg.htm

Professional Development Program (PDP)

PDP is administered by FHWA's Office of Human Resources (OHR). This program was developed to provide opportunities for participants to experience career development of the highest caliber in transportation, engineering, and planning at FHWA. The program is a FHWA-paid Federal job that lasts two years and provides the opportunity for advancement and placement in a permanent position upon completion of the program. The program consists of on-the-job-training, diverse developmental assignments, and participation at a Professional Development Academy. Eligible participants are college graduates with a bachelor's or master's degree in a variety of disciplines, who are motivated and committed to the field of transportation. Benefits offered by this program include travel, relocation, competitive salary, flexible work schedules, diverse practical experience, vacation and sick leave, job security, graduate/postgraduate studies, life insurance, retirement, and bonuses. Selected participants will be assigned to a sponsoring office that serves as their "home base." Participants are expected to travel to various geographical locations throughout PDP to complete several developmental assignments. Upon completion of PDP, selected participants must be available for final placement at any location nationwide. Graduates must be U.S. Citizens to be eligible for this program.

To learn more about PDP:
Contact Juana Sosa by email at: Juana.Sosa@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-1753
or contact Lafayette Melton by email at: lafayette.melton@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-2907
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/aaa/pdp

FHWA's Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP)

FCIP is managed by the Office of Human Resources, Student Outreach and Career Entry Programs Group. FCIP is designed to help agencies recruit and attract exceptional individuals into a variety of occupations. It was created under Executive Order 13162, and is intended for positions at grade levels GS-5, 7, and 9. In general, individuals are appointed to a two-year internship. Upon successful completion of the internships, the interns may be eligible for permanent placement within an agency.

Eligible participants for FCIP are college graduates with undergraduate or graduate level degrees, or experience related to specific occupations. Selected participants are placed throughout FHWA where they are given the opportunity to experience career development in the highway transportation field. The positions are intended to develop candidates for the full performance level in a particular series (generally GS-12 unless otherwise indicated). Career intern positions are designed to give incumbents the necessary background to eventually compete for leadership positions above the full performance level.

To learn more about FHWA's FCIP:
Contact Juana E. Sosa by email at: Juana.Sosa@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-1753
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/vacancy/career1.htm

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

STEP is managed by FHWA's Office of Human Resources (OHR). STEP offers paid temporary Federal employment opportunities in the field of transportation to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Students may work full time, part time, or anytime during the year; however, the student's work schedule should not interfere with the student's academic schedule. Participants are given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and are eligible for annual and sick leave. Participants are not required to work in their field of study or discipline.

To learn more about STEP:
Contact Tammie Murray by email at: Tammie.Murray@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-0541
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/orders/m30001c/p1ch2s1.htm or
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/STUDENTS.asp

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

SCEP is managed by FHWA's Office of Human Resources (OHR). SCEP provides paid Federal employment opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Students gain valuable work experience in positions that are directly related to their field of study. Students may work full time, part time, or anytime during the year, however the student's work schedule should not interfere with the student's academic schedule. Students are eligible for Federal benefits including annual and sick leave. Additionally, SCEP provides eligibility for non-competitive permanent employment with FHWA upon obtaining a degree and meeting all position-related requirements.

To learn more about SCEP:
Contact Ms. Serena Matthews by email at: Serena.Matthews@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-1201
or visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/orders/m30001c/p1ch2s1.htm or
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/STUDENTS.asp

Academic Study Program (ASP)

ASP is managed by FHWA's Office of Human Resources' (OHR) Training and Development Group (TDG). ASP was established to support FHWA employees taking academic courses or programs of study. Interested FHWA employees need an endorsement from a nominating official to participate in the program. The endorsement should explain how the proposed program of study will help to meet FHWA's organizational goals for program leadership or technical expertise. ASP benefits employees by providing funding for their approved full time or part time programs of study. A $20,000 cap has been placed for all ASPs. Funds can be used for tuition, books, and other fees. Please refer to the Web site provided for fees not covered by FHWA.

To learn more about ASP:
Contact Nicole Hicks by email at: Nicole.Hicks@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-1202
or visit: http://intra.fhwa.dot.gov/opt/training/development/asp/asp.htm (only available through FHWA StaffNet)

Transportation and Technology Academy of Cardozo High School (TransTech) Program

The Cardozo TransTech Program is managed by FHWA's Office of Human Resources (OHR). This program was established in 1991 to bridge the gap between classrooms and the transportation workplace for students enrolled at Cardozo Senior High School, located in Washington, D.C. Cardozo High School students are eligible to participate if they are entering the ninth, tenth, or eleventh grade with a minimum of a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). Other requirements include participation in extra-curricular activities, good conduct, and good attendance. Students benefit significantly from this program through numerous opportunities, such as mentoring, summer internships, regular student work assignments, and career development activities.

To learn more about the TransTech Program:
Contact Juana Sosa by email at: Juana.Sosa@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-1753
or contact Lafayette Melton by email at: lafayette.melton@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-2907
or visit: http://transtechacademy.com/

Office of Civil Rights

National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI)

The NSTI program is managed by FHWA's Office of Civil Rights. The program began in 1993 at South Carolina State University (SCSU) through a cooperative effort between SCSU, South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), and FHWA's South Carolina Division Office. The program was established to attract youth into the transportation field. In 1999, Congress authorized this program in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), establishing it as the first transportation education program for secondary school students. The NSTI activities, which are conducted in college/university campuses throughout the country, provide four to six week sessions to middle and high school students. The program focuses on raising students' awareness in transportation careers and encourages students to pursue transportation courses at the college/university level. Students benefit from the program through participating in transportation related activities including math, science, and technology enrichment. Other features of this program include SAT preparation, field trips, life management seminars, and student projects. Interested students may have the opportunity to participate at program locations outside their State.

To get more information:
Contact Janine Ashe by email at: Janine.Ashe@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-9057
or visit: http://www.nrc.scsu.edu/directorsmessage.htm

Construction Career Days Program (CCDP)

CCDP—which is designed to increase awareness among high school and college students about career opportunities in the highway construction industry—is managed by FHWA's Office of Civil Rights. The program was created in 1999 to address the severe shortage of skilled construction workers in the state of Texas. The shortage of workers was eroding competition in the number of bidders for transportation projects and adversely affecting quality in the highway construction program. The program's founders wanted to create a "hands-on" event for students to learn about the diversity of careers in the transportation related construction sector. Another key purpose of the program is to change the negative image that the construction sector has among the public in general and among youth. The first construction career day event was held in March 1999, in Lewisville, Texas with more than 1,300 students attending. The program's success has led to its adoption throughout the country. Since the first event in 1999, more than 200,000 students have participated in the program. The events are well received by students and teachers as well as representatives from industry, government, education, and various other groups. A National Construction Career Day Center has been established at the University of Rhode Island Transportation Center that serves to continue the program's expansion, act as a clearinghouse of information and provide technical assistance to local Construction Career Day teams in designing and hosting their events. The Center has created a National Construction Career Day Advisory Board representing industry, government, labor, and education to provide input on how the program can continuously be improved.

To learn more about CCDP:
Contact Jeff Cathcart by email at: cathcart@etal.uri.edu
or by phone at: (401) 874-7075
or visit: http://www.constructioncareerdays.us

Other

Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC)

TCCC was established in 2000 as a partnership between the FHWA, State Departments of Transportation (DOT's), and the transportation industry to help in the training of highway construction personnel. TCCC seeks to create and maintain a national curriculum for transportation disciplines, identify training and certification requirements, and facilitate effective training. TCCC efforts include optimizing resources in the development of core training and qualification mediums, improving the work skills of highway construction employees, promoting the propagation of useful information to organizations, developing a national training resource database for the transportation construction field, and promoting the usage of American Association of State Highway Transportation (AASHTO) standards in training development. As a result, TCCC posts training and course availabilities, documents related to course and training development for various transportation disciplines, and publications relevant to highway construction personnel training.

To get more information:
Contact Chris Newman by email at: Christopher.Newman@dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 366-2023
or contact Howe Crockett by email at: howe.crockett@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (360) 619-7750
or visit: http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/tccc/

Office of Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) Student Volunteer Program

The Student Volunteer Program is administered by FHWA's Office of Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T). This program provides high school and college students the opportunity to gain hands-on-experience in the transportation field. The Student Volunteer Program establishes partnerships with local high schools and local universities, which allow students to conduct transportation related experiments and research. Experiments and research are carried out at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center located in McLean, Va.

To get more information:
Contact John W. McCracken by email at: John.McCracken@fhwa.dot.gov
or by phone at: (202) 493-3422
or visit: http://www.tfhrc.gov/about/05040/01.htm