Facing a dire need in the region for more transportation professionals, particularly those with a STEM background, the SETWC launched a collaborative effort that led to the opening of T-STEM Academy as a magnet school at the former East High School in Memphis. The effort started in 2016, when SETWC approached Shelby County Schools with data on gaps in the local job landscape, the importance of the transportation industry, and an outline for how T-STEM—a term the center coined—could meet the needs of a variety of students, Ivey said.

“When we say STEM, we don’t mean just careers that require four-year degrees,” she said. “We talk about it from the standpoint of STEM for all: STEM jobs that might require certifications, associate’s degrees, four-year degrees or graduate degrees. We wanted to help students not only be aware of transportation careers but also help them connect with a career pathway that is a good fit for them.”

Read the article on page 61 of APTA’s Transit Workforce Readiness Guide.