Corliss High School Students Document Red Line Extension Construction

News Summary

Three students from Corliss Early College STEM High School will participate in an internship program focusing on the construction of the 5.5-mile Red Line Extension. The program, a collaboration among the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Public Schools, and REDefine Southside Partners Joint Venture, allows these licensed drone pilots to document construction activities. The initiative not only provides valuable hands-on experience but also enhances community involvement and educational opportunities related to urban infrastructure development.

Corliss High School Students Engage in Red Line Extension Project through CTA Internship

Three students from Corliss Early College STEM High School will have a chance to be actively involved in documenting the construction of the 5.5-mile Red Line Extension (RLE) project, all thanks to an internship opportunity provided by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and its construction management partner, REDefine Southside Partners Joint Venture (RSP-JV). This initiative aims not only to enhance educational experiences but also to provide practical exposure to industry skills.

The internship program is in its second year and represents a significant collaboration between Chicago Public Schools (CPS), CTA, and RSP-JV. The students involved are licensed commercial drone pilots, which will allow them to effectively document and analyze the ongoing construction efforts. Among the participants are Nahumy Inguez, a rising senior, along with Matthew Melvin and Deangelo Willis, both on track to graduate in 2025.

Hands-On Experience for Future Careers

The students will utilize their skills to capture vital drone footage of the construction site, providing an invaluable record of the current conditions and tracking any changes throughout the project timeline. By working alongside engineers, construction managers, and planners, these students will gain insights into the comprehensive scope of the Red Line Extension project and the transportation and infrastructure pathways associated with it.

This internship offers the participants an opportunity to engage with industry-specific software and learn fundamental project management techniques. It is a stepping stone for future employment in technical fields, while also enabling them to contribute actively to their community’s growth and development.

Community Impact and Educational Growth

Corliss High School, positioned in the heart of the Pullman neighborhood, is within the footprint of the RLE project, making this internship particularly relevant. The school offers a specialized drone certification program designed to equip students with essential skills to achieve licensure as commercial drone pilots, bridging education and industry needs together.

CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen has emphasized that the authority’s role extends beyond being merely a transit service; it focuses on creating opportunities for community enhancement. Furthermore, CPS Interim Superintendent Macquline King has pointed out the value of education and public investment as foundational elements enabling students to have a hand in shaping their communities’ futures.

Looking Ahead: Red Line Extension Construction Plans

The Red Line Extension project, which carries an anticipated price tag of $3.6 billion, is designed to extend the existing Red Line from the 95th Street Terminal to the newly designated 130th Street. The plans include adding four fully accessible stations along with establishing a new rail yard. The primary goals of this expansion are to enhance access, improve reliability, and foster economic opportunities for residents on the Far South Side of Chicago.

Construction of the Red Line Extension is projected to begin in 2026, with completion aimed for the end of 2030. The CTA has announced plans to sustain this internship program each summer throughout the project’s lifespan, providing lasting opportunities for students to engage with real-world situations and learn from experienced professionals in the field.

A Win-Win for Education and Infrastructure

Overall, this educational initiative aligns perfectly with the growing need for skilled workers in the construction and transportation sectors. By allowing Corliss High School students to participate in the Red Line Extension project, CTA and its partners are not only investing in the future workforce but also in the development of the surrounding community.

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Additional Resources

• Chicago Transit Authority: High School Interns Project
• Mass Transit Magazine: CTA Interns Documenting Red Line Project
• Chicago Transit Authority: Partnering to Inspire Future Engineers
• Chicago Business: Editorial on Red Line Extension Costs
• WTTW News: Federal Prosecutors Expanding Violence Prevention Initiative
• Wikipedia: History of Chicago Transit