AASHTO’s STEM Outreach Solutions educational outreach technical service program, targeted at Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) classes, provides hands-on activities that introduce students in grades K-12 to the work world of transportation and civil engineering and inspire them to consider careers in those fields. 

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) works with AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions to provide curricula and resources for Maryland schools and hands-on activities about the importance of math and science in preparing for their future. 

STEM Outreach Solutions has eight modules that engage students in solving real-world problems while connecting them to the work world of transportation. Students design bridges, build magnetic-levitation trains, plan a city, or learn about environmental issues that impact transportation. 

The program improves workforce diversity, which helps address a shortage of civil engineers in the transportation sector. 

​AASHTO Bridge Challenge Winners 

Congratulations to the 2026 Second Place winners from Team Mission Archers at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD: Gabriella Mbakop, Wania Shabaz and Tanitoluwa Ojifinni.​

​AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions (formerly Transportation & Civil Engineering (TRAC) and RIDES)

SHA rejoined TRAC & RIDES in FY17.  The program introduces students to transportation and exposes them to engineering concepts through STEM curriculum. 

• In May 2018 and 2019, Maryland had TRAC teams participate in AASHTO’s National Bridge Building competition. Both years Maryland was invited to the national competition with finalists participating at all levels of the competition. 
• The national competition did not occur in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID-19. In 2022, a 7th/8th grade team from MD won their category.  
• In 2023, Maryland schools were represented in every category with four teams making the finals and TRUSSworthy Pals (a 7th/8th grade team) coming in at 3rd place. 
• In 2024, Maryland teams had their best showing yet, with two teams winning first place in their divisions: Make it or Break it for 9th/10th, and Just Do Something in 11th/12th grade division. 
• In 2025, two Maryland teams represented and placed in their categories: TRUSS Tribe obtained 2nd in 7th/8th grade, and Build a Bridge ranked 3rd in 9th/10th grade. 
• In 2026, Maryland again sent a team in every grade level category, and students from a school new to the program placed 2nd in the 9th/10th grade division.​

If you would like to bring AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions to your school, send an email to [email protected].For more information, view the TRAC AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions brochure.

For more information, contact​​

​ Leo Gray
Maryland STEM Outreach Solutions Manager​
[email protected]
410-545-5579 ​