The railroad programs at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign (UIUC) and Michigan Technological University (MTU) are supporting efforts led by Hanson Professional Services to expose underrepresented groups to railway engineering and "grow our own" next generation of civil engineering leaders. To support higher‐speed passenger rail operations between Chicago and St. Louis, a long‐term effort to consolidate multiple rail corridors through Springfield, Illinois is underway. The approved alternative passes within blocks of a high school and impacts minority populations in the surrounding community. Through a unique partnership, local community leaders saw the proposed rail corridor as an opportunity to introduce local youth and minority populations to possible careers in related railway transportation, civil engineering and construction fields. The aim of the project is to help students from underrepresented groups connect the highly‐visible construction, operations, and maintenance activities in their community surrounding the new rail corridor to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics. With a tangible connection to real‐world applications of these subjects, it is hoped that more of these students will pursue careers in engineering, railroads or construction industry, growing the next generation of industry professionals. The "Grow Our Own" Minority STEM Initiative is led by Hanson Professional Services, a civil engineering consulting firm headquartered in Springfield. Hanson is joined by the City of Springfield, Sangamon County, and the Illinois Department of ransportation in administering the initiative. Each group has pledged financial support to multiple programs including outreach to minorities through the NURail Center.


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