Over the past few months, the Broward MPO has hosted students from three local high schools for "Think Like a Planner" workshops. These innovative and engaging sessions help introduce students to the world of transportation planning and learn about potential careers in the industry. Students from Deerfield Beach, Piper, and South Broward High Schools have attended workshops at the Broward MPO offices, where they walked around the area, designated as the Cypress Creek Mobility Hub.
After examining the area, students broke into groups to brainstorm ideas on making the area safer for all modes of transportation who use the area, especially those who walk, bike, and take transit. The students then presented their ideas as a proposal to a three judge panel, made up of transportation professionals and Broward MPO Board Members.
The idea for the "Think Like a Planner" workshops came out of the Broward MPO's Strategic Business Plan, where Board Members suggested reaching out to students and educating them on careers in transportation and the work of the Broward MPO. Students benefit by learning about career opportunities and the basics of transportation planning, and the MPO gets to teach the students about the work the agency does and increases awareness of the MPO's goals and mission.
Already looking forward to working with more schools next academic year.