The CRISI Rail Education and Outreach Program for Middle School is designed specifically for students in grades 6–8 to introduce them to the dynamic world of rail transportation and the many career pathways it offers.
Through engaging, age-appropriate presentations delivered directly at your school, students will explore how rail systems move people and goods across Florida and the nation, how safety and technology play a vital role in operations, and how engineers, planners, technicians, and other professionals keep the industry running.
Led by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida (USF), the program sparks early interest in transportation careers while helping students connect classroom subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math to real-world rail applications.
In-Class Presentations
As part of this year’s Great American Teach-In, Jodi introduced students to the many possibilities within the rail industry and the importance of developing a strong, skilled workforce for the future. Using hands-on materials and interactive discussions, she helped spark genuine interest in rail careers and encouraged students to imagine themselves in the industry.
Jodi engaged with 125 students at Tarpon Springs Middle School and 60 students at Tinker K-8 (MacDill Air Force Base). The students came prepared with thoughtful questions, demonstrated real curiosity, and were enthusiastic about the learning experience—including the take-home materials she provided.
Field Trips
Our senior research associate, Jodi Godfrey, had a great time bringing hands-on transportation learning to life.
She coordinated a field trip for 30 STEM students from Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School at the HART Streetcar Barn, welcoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders for an inside look at real-world transit operations and maintenance.
As students toured the facility, they asked thoughtful questions and experienced firsthand what it takes to keep a modern streetcar system running safely and efficiently, complete with audible “wows” as they entered the maintenance barn.
Thank you to HART for opening your doors and inspiring future engineers, technicians, and innovators!
Want to bring this program to your school or community?
Sign up for a guest speaker for your class
For more information, contact:
Achilleas Kourtellis, PhD
Assistant Program Director and Teaching Faculty
ITS, Traffic Operations & Safety
Kourtellis@usf.edu