The purpose of the project is to develop and implement the comprehensive program to promote railroad careers and develop the current rail industry workforce

The University of South Florida was awarded a $22,188,391 Project Grant by the Federal Railroad Administration under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. The purpose of the grant is to develop and implement a comprehensive program to promote railroad careers and develop the current rail industry workforce. Key project elements include targeted student outreach, structured internship programs, and training/workforce development initiatives to advance the careers of current rail industry employees and ensure they are well-trained in emerging technologies. Sub-awardees include several universities (Colorado State University-Pueblo, Michigan Technological University, Oregon State University, San Jose State University, University of Hawaii, University of Nebraska) that will contribute to the program through activities such as educational research, student support services, and specialized technical projects. The award has an ultimate completion date of January 31, 2029.

Project elements include targeted outreach to all levels of students, the institution of structured internship programs for future railroaders and rail researchers, and the delivery of training and workforce development programs that will advance the careers of the current rail industry workforce and ensure they are well-trained in recently implemented and emerging technologies. Deliverables for the project include:-task 1: project management plan and final performance report-task 2: annual work products summary report and final project summary reportthe beneficiaries of this project are students (primary through university level) that will receive training applicable to future railroad careers, current railroad employees that will expand upon their capabilities, and the railroad industry as a whole that will benefit from a well-trained workforce. University of south florida is the grantee and the sub-recipients are: colorado state university-pueblo, michigan technological university, oregon state university, SAN jose state university-mineta transportation institute, university of hawaii, university of nebraska lincoln, and ensco, INC