IBTTA Foundation Recognizes 2024 Scholars: Building a Diverse, Future-Ready Transportation Workforce

Media Contact:
Tanya Sheres
202.304.7805
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2024

Washington, D.C. - The IBTTA Foundation is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 IBTTA Scholarships, awarded to exceptional students pursuing careers in transportation and tolling. This year, the Foundation proudly supports a diverse group of scholars, including four students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as they embark on the path to becoming leaders in the transportation industry.

The 2024 scholarship recipients are:

• Ashley Adams, Bluefield State University (HBCU)
  Major: B.S. Computer Science, Graduation Year: 2026
• Oforiwaa Pee Agyei-Boakye, University of Minnesota
  Major: Ph.D. Transport Geography, Graduation Year: 2025
• Joseph Boadi, Bluefield State University (HBCU)
  Major: B.S. Computer Science, Graduation Year: 2026
• Lisa Fung, Stanford University
  Major: B.S. Civil Engineering & Computer Science, Graduation Year: 2027
• Cescar Kangogo, Tennessee State University (HBCU)
  Major: B.S. Civil Engineering, Graduation Year: 2025
• Ralph Keen, University of Oklahoma
  Major: B.A. Business Administration, Graduation Year: 2027
• Md Mishkat, Coppin State University (HBCU)
  Major: B.S. Computer Science, Graduation Year: 2026

IBTTA President, Bill Halkias, expressed his enthusiasm for the program:

"We are incredibly proud to support these talented and driven individuals as they embark on their journeys into the transportation workforce. In the face of a workforce crisis within the industry, we must work together to inspire the next generation of leaders and professionals. We simply cannot afford to leave any talent on the sidelines. Through this scholarship program, we are not only investing in the future of transportation but also ensuring that every capable student has the opportunity to contribute to the vital work that lies ahead."

A Closer Look at the Transportation Workforce Crisis

The transportation industry faces an urgent workforce shortage. By 2031, the sector must fill 4.6 million jobs to meet demand, driven by a combination of mass retirements and the need for new, technology-driven skill sets. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Department of Transportation, 50% of the current transportation workforce will retire within the next decade, leaving a significant gap that needs to be filled with younger talent.

This gap is particularly pronounced in areas like automated vehicles, smart infrastructure, and tolling systems, where the demand for tech-savvy professionals is rapidly growing. Programs like the IBTTA Foundation's scholarships are a critical part of the solution, ensuring that diverse, skilled students are equipped to enter and lead in these emerging fields.

Through its scholarship program, the IBTTA Foundation is committed to creating a robust pipeline of future professionals who can tackle the transportation industry's challenges and drive its evolution forward.

We invite you to join us at the IBTTA 92nd Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Cleveland, Ohio, from October 26-29, 2024. During this event, we will continue to raise funds to support the IBTTA Foundation Scholarship Program. This is a critical investment in the future of transportation, ensuring that no talent is left behind. Your participation and contributions help us provide opportunities for the next generation of transportation professionals.

Scholarship Program Details

Through a competitive selection process, the IBTTA Foundation awards $5,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students working towards transportation-related degrees at accredited universities. This scholarship program is launched every spring and is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarships, tuition assistance, and other education support programs. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin. The program opens each February, and awardees are notified by July of the same year.

About IBTTA and the IBTTA Foundation

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the global association for toll facility owners, operators, and businesses, dedicated to advancing transportation solutions through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Founded in 1932, IBTTA promotes innovation and improved transportation systems worldwide.

The IBTTA Foundation, IBTTA's charitable arm, supports education, research, and workforce development. Through scholarships, internships, and outreach, the Foundation helps ensure a diverse and skilled future for the transportation industry.

For more information, visit www.ibtta.org and www.ibtta.org/foundation.