Denver High Schoolers Train for Electric Transit Careers

Twenty Denver high school students are getting a head start on careers that will power the future of transportation.

On June 15, Denver Public Schools students toured RTD's light rail facilities at Elati and Mariposa as part of EV Academy, a summer program introducing teens to electric vehicle technology careers. The students explored maintenance bays, repair centers, and operational training facilities where RTD keeps Denver's light rail system running.

RTD Rail Training Manager Venessa Stone led the group through the control rooms and SCADA systems that monitor the entire light rail network. The students then rode the light rail to Union Station, where DTP Project Director Nate Morgan answered their questions about commuter rail mechanics and encouraged them to pursue careers in the growing field.

The program came together through Women Who Charge, a Denver nonprofit dedicated to promoting electric vehicle adoption. The organization created EV Academy to bridge the gap between students interested in green technology and the transportation agencies that need skilled workers.

The Ripple Effect

This marks the second year of EV Academy, and the program is expanding its reach across Denver's transportation infrastructure. Over three weeks, students visit multiple facilities including the Colorado Department of Transportation and Denver International Airport, learning directly from the professionals who maintain and operate electric transit systems.

The timing couldn't be better. As cities nationwide transition from diesel buses and traditional rail to electric systems, demand for skilled technicians and operators continues to grow. These 20 students are positioning themselves at the front of that wave.

Programs like EV Academy create pathways for young people to enter stable, well-paying careers while contributing to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions. The students aren't just learning about jobs; they're discovering how their future work can improve their community's health and environment.

Denver's investment in both electric transit and the next generation of workers who will maintain it shows how workforce development and environmental progress can advance together.