The agreement's signing took place at WTS' annual conference this week in Washington. WTS is a leading international association dedicated to the professional advancement of women in transportation. 

"There's tremendous opportunity out there for women interested in transportation-related careers," LaHood said. "We need to do more to prepare, train, and educate young women about the possibilities that await them."

LaHood noted the need for environmental engineers and technicians is expected to rise 30% over the next decade. The U.S. Department of Labor reported in 2008 that 10% of all civil engineers in the United States are women. The joint initiative will support the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics -- a program known as "STEM" -- through a strategic partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation and WTS.  

"We are excited to launch this strategic partnership with U.S. DOT and to help develop a transportation workforce of the future," said Elaine Dezenski, WTS president. "Through this effort, we will work with government and industry to attract and prepare more women for careers in transportation. Our goal is to help create a 21st century workforce to support a transportation network and infrastructure needed in the 21st century."

The memorandum of cooperation signed Thursday supports the following key goals:

• understanding where gaps exist in the attraction and retention of women in transportation-oriented technical fields such as engineering and logistics;
  
• developing a tool kit of best practices in the areas of mentoring, promoting women entrepreneurs, and attracting students in technical fields into transportation;
  
• developing more-effective professional development opportunities for women across the lifecycle of a career;
  
• developing ideas and partnerships to encourage girls (13-18 years old) to consider careers in transportation; and
  
• engaging the WTS community in a broad-based policy initiative that supports the advancement of women in transportation.