Paving the Way: Amtrak's Collaboration with Baltimore's STEMcx Shapes Future STEM Leaders

Authored by Danelle Hunter , Community Engagement Director at Amtrak

In July, we had the distinct pleasure of welcoming a group of bright, aspiring young minds from Baltimore's STEMcx to our Consolidated National Operations Center (CNOC) and Training Facility. This visit was made possible by ?On Track for Good, one of Amtrak’s comprehensive community engagement programs.

At Amtrak, we are committed to supporting our communities not only through our services but through meaningful engagement and support. Amtrak Gives Back promotes employee volunteerism, community involvement in critical infrastructure projects, support for local and national non-profits, and strategic partnerships that enhance our communal impact.

A Day of Learning and Inspiration

The STEMcx visit showcased our dedication to fostering the next generation of innovators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our partnership with Baltimore-based STEMcx, a non-profit that empowers diverse students, aligns perfectly with our mission. It reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Students interacted with our top engineers and technology specialists, gaining insights into the real-world applications of their studies. They explored the complexities of maintaining and operating one of America’s busiest rail corridors, witnessing the intersection of innovation and practical implementation in transportation first-hand.

The Value of Diversity in Transportation

Our collaboration with Baltimore's STEMcx is part of our broader initiative under Amtrak Gives Back. This joint effort is about opening doors to diverse groups of students, showing them the vast potential and varied roles available—from environmental engineering to logistics management and safety compliance.

"We learned a lot about Amtrak's roles and its operations within rail engineering. It was enlightening to discover that engineers, not conductors, operate the trains. Working with the train simulators was definitely a highlight for the students and me. It was fun while giving us great insight into an engineer's role." Xavier A., STEMcx Student

Looking Ahead

The enthusiastic response and insightful questions from Baltimore students not only inspired us but also reaffirmed the importance of our community engagement efforts. Our commitment extends beyond this event as we continue to support educational programs and community initiatives under the On Track for Good program.

Join Us on This Journey

As part of Amtrak Gives Back, we invite you to learn more about how Amtrak is actively engaging with communities to foster a more inclusive and sustainable future. These initiatives are about more than transportation; they're about empowering communities and transforming lives through strategic support and partnership.

Learn more about Amtrak’s On Track for Good program and our community initiatives here: https://www.amtrak.com/on-track-for-good