Transit projects inspire young professionals to be a part of systems that will last for decades to come. For projects of significant scale, like the Chicago Transit Authority Red Line Extension (RLE) Project, young professionals can also inspire change, visibility and involvement.
RLE is one of the largest projects in Chicago Transit Authority history, and when complete, will have extended the Red Line 5.5 miles south and implemented four new accessible stations.
Over the summer, several interns participated in an immersive program centered on understanding the CTA RLE Project, with the support of industry professionals from EXP and partner firms.
Throughout the duration of the program, interns learned about station design and transit engineering through site visits and instructional lessons from RLE project team members. They also completed a capstone project which proposed concepts for flexible outdoor community spaces for the four new stations. Interns presented their capstone projects to their instructors and families at the Chicago Systems and Signals Office.
“As a veteran high school science teacher, the Red Line Extension Summer STEM Lab has been a refreshing experience,” Intern Program Manager Dr. Darrin Collins, Ph.D. said. “Being around such a motivated group of young people has encouraged me as I begin my seventeenth year of service. The interns, both college and high school, showed up daily with the goal of pushing themselves and one another to think critically, explore community needs, collaborate with group members and design flexible and functional outdoor event spaces for the communities that the new red line stations will service. This experience is one that naturally merges the often-competing themes of education, workforce development and urban renewal. The interns reminded me of my why.”
Each intern represents the next generation of AEC professionals and the bright future ahead. EXP is honored to have contributed their mentorship, experience and guidance to these students. We believe investing in today’s students secures a successful, creative and knowledgeable future workforce that will care for our infrastructure for years to come.