The City of Raleigh’s Commute Smart Raleigh team is hosting its first ever Commute Smart Ambassador Academy (CSAA) this year from Monday, July 10 – Friday, July 14.
This pilot program originated out of the Transportation and Transit Strategic Initiative 2.2. and is exclusively open to dependents of City of Raleigh employees and our partners at Moore Square Middle School in 2023.
This inaugural class will be unique in that participants of this full week immersive program will be able to help shape the program and provide input to identify improvements for when it will be open to the public in the Summer of 2024.
- What: Students will obtain the knowledge and tools to learn how to get around Raleigh in sustainable ways. Curriculum will be a mix of lectures and activities in and outside the classroom. Transportation methods included are: Bus, Train, Bike, Walking, Carpool and Scooters. Topics include not just how to get around but will include a deeper dive into urban planning, bike maintenance, leadership skills and safety components. Lessons will be conducted by City of Raleigh staff and vetted community experts and volunteers.
- When: Monday July 10 – Friday July 14, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily
- Where: Students will meet and finish class daily at Raleigh Union Station, however, activities will be conducted throughout the City of Raleigh and one day with a train ride to Durham.
- Why: Students will graduate with the expectation to become ambassadors and knowledgeable members in their communities to promote sustainable transportation methods and matriculate to become active volunteers and promoters in their journey in becoming commuters as they enter the workforce. The goal is to have a long-term impact on the City of Raleigh to create a network of sustainable commuters.
- Who: For this pilot program period in 2023, it is open to 13-, 14-, and 15-year-old students of City of Raleigh employees, regardless of residential address and Moore Square Middle Schoolers, that were part of the focus group assisting in creating the curriculum. The program is limited to eight students. Students must have the basic capability of walking up to two miles, feel comfortable cycling, and able to lift up to 30 pounds.
This is a cost-free program that will include:
- A t-shirt.
- Daily lunch.
- Transportation fares.
- Upon successful completion of the program (80 percent attendance = four out of five days and post-report submission) a bicycle.
Applications are being accepted and reviewed as they come in. Please allow staff up to two weeks to review applications and confirm your spot within the program.
Once the max capacity of eight participants has been reached, the application window will close.
Curriculum Overview:
- Monday: Introduction to Sustainable Transportation, Urban Planning and Raleigh Transportation History.
- Tuesday: City Cycling and Bikeshare.
- Wednesday: Bike Selection and Mechanics.
- Thursday: Train and Transit.
- Friday: Vision Zero and Micro-Mobility.
If you have more questions or would like to receive the application form, please contact COMMUTE@RALEIGHNC.GOV