The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has pledged to work with an influential industry group to encourage more girls and young women to embark on transportation careers. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood last month signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with the Women’s Transportation Seminar International last month in Washington D.C., noting the need in particular for environmental engineers is expected to rise by 30% over the next decade.

The MOC was the brainchild of WTS President Elaine Dezenski. Members met with the U.S. DOT in April. “Lightbulbs went off everywhere,” says WTS executive director Marcia Ferranto. A series of outreach sessions in 2010 and 2011 will focus on workforce development as it relates to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. WTS hopes to develop a tool kit of best practices for mentoring, promoting women entrepreneurs and attracting students to transportation.