August 2023 I Will Ride Update

I will Ride Logo

Hello I Will Riders,

As #HotRailSummer gets closer to our fall season destination, we have so many fun summer events to share with you! Progress on the project continues with exciting news, like the completion of our seventh structure this year and taking a vital step forward to purchasing trains. Yeah, you heard that right…trains. Take a look below for all the latest HSR news.

One Step Closer to Purchasing California High-Speed Rail Trains

High-Speed Rail Train

Earlier this month, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) Board of Directors released the Release for Qualifications (RFQ) to the nation’s industry. Let’s unpack that a little. The Board of Directors is the decision-making body for the Authority, you can read all about their role and responsibility here.

An RFQ is standard practice for large government contracts. Companies that believe they have the capacity to do this task will send the Authority a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) by November of 2023. This allows the Authority to create a shortlist of companies that have the capacity to manufacture the trains. After that process is complete, the Authority will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) to companies on that shortlist, which can then put in their formal applications to be considered for the contract.

Students can follow this process to see what companies will take on the role of manufacturing California HSR trains and look for internships and entry level job opportunities.

ICYMI: Kids Learn About HSR at California State Railroad Museum

The Authority joined the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA for their most popular summer event. With interactive activities and HSR professionals, our table was a hit for the kids and parents. Watch the recap video of kids creating city rail alignments, building HSR structures and coloring trains and stations.

Watch the Recap Video

Kid and their caretaker draw an alignment on an HSR map. Students surrounding an HSR pop up table at a museum.

ICYMI: Video of Bay Area High School Student Touring HSR Construction

Earlier this summer, Bay Area high-school students in the Summer Transportation Institute at San Jose State joined us in Fresno, CA for a construction tour. We had a packed tour with site visits, presentations and panel discussions.

Watch the Recap Video

Group of high school students on a bridge with a large arch over the group. All students, about 30 of them, in construction hard hats and bright safety vests. Two students standing under bridge arches in construction gear smiling., Standing under a shade tent students and staff look at pop up posters on easels with station design information.

WTS Sacramento Scholarships

WTS is committed to the advancement of women in the transportation industry, and one of the many ways they enable this advancement is through their scholarship program. Since 2005, the Sacramento Chapter has awarded over $125,000 in scholarships to 100 young women pursuing careers supporting the transportation industry through the generous donations of supporters and members.
Learn more and apply

California Transportation Foundation Scholarships

The California Transportation Foundation’s (CTF) mission is to educate the future of the transportation profession through scholarships, educational programs, mentoring and internships. To learn more about the various scholarship opportunities offered by CTF, make sure to check out their website linked below.
Learn more and apply

WTS Los Angeles Scholarship

WTS-LA is a leader in supporting and mentoring the next generation of transportation professionals in Southern California. For more than three decades, they have awarded scholarships to deserving women entering the transportation field. The scholarships are competitive, and applications are evaluated on the following criteria: transportation career goals; academic record, including curriculum and grades; commitment to transportation, as demonstrated by extracurricular activities and/or work experience; writing skills; and recommendations. WTS LA offers scholarships for high school, community college/trade school and undergraduate and graduate university students.
Learn more and apply

California Transportation Foundation Internship
CTF is looking for a California college student for a part time internship. Interns receive a monthly stipend, work fully remote and must be studying a transportation related field.
To apply for this position, send your resume and cover letter to hello@the-ctf.org.

Stay Connected

Informational flyer for student I Will Ride program. Webinars, Project Updates, Student Opportunities and Construction Tours. Photos of professionals panel, train rendering, students tabling and construction tour.

Are you a student that wants to learn more about the California high-speed rail project, tour construction or join the project as a fellow or intern? Don’t miss any important updates, opportunities or notifications when you sign up for I Will Ride! Sign-Up for I Will Ride