SWUTC Research Project Description

Title of Project: Transportation Career Development and Outreach Assessment

Project Number:  476660-00045

Principal Investigator:
Charles Glass
(713) 313-1847
P.I. Affiliation:  Texas Southern University
glasscr@tsu.edu

Project Monitor:
Willie Williams
President
National Technical Association
(281) 244-7579

Project Status:  Active

Date Started:  9/1/08

Estimation Completion Date:  8/31/09

Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal:  $17,000

Estimated Cost - Total Planned:  $17,000

Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
This research examines successful models of recruitment and orientation practices. The objective is to empower the educator with information that will increase their overall success with student knowledge of the transportation industry. Successful models are explored to better serve students by developing a more effective recruitment and orientation process that will increase career decisions towards the transportation industry. A checklist is proposed to develop a retention model for prospective employees.

Project Objectives:
Our goal is to research, document and assess the development of a pipeline of a diverse population of K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students who are trained and knowledgeable in transportation disciplines and career opportunities. 

Task Descriptions:
Task 1:
Conduct literature review – A review and collection will be done to identify and assemble best practices with regard to recruitment, orientation and retention of students in transportation careers.                                                              

Task 2:
Identify study group – A small set of students will be identified from a Houston area school district to serve as a case study of K-12 student interest in and knowledge of transportation careers.

Task 3:
Identity resources for research – Field trips, appropriate speaker identification, and simulation time will be identified and scheduled.   

Task 4:  
Conduct Pre and Post Test – Prepare  survey and hands-on exercise treatments that assess student interest and knowledge about transportation.  Secure agreement to survey subjects. Conduct pre and post tests per survey and exercise treatments.

Task 5:
Analyze data – Compile, synthesize and analyze data, and prepare final report.

Index Terms:
Transportation careers, Outreach, Recruiting, Orientation, Evaluation and assessment, Research projects