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 Document Red Line Extension Construction

Students from Corliss Early College STEM High School are getting a unique opportunity to document the construction of the 5.5-mile Red Line Extension (RLE) project through an internship program with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). This initiative allows three students to gain real-world experience while capturing the ongoing progress of one of the city’s significant infrastructure projects.

This internship is part of a collaboration between the CTA, construction management contractor REDefine Southside Partners Joint Venture (RSP-JV), and Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The program is now in its second year, emphasizing educational and career development for local students.

The three participating students include two who are set to graduate in 2025 and a rising senior. All of them are licensed commercial drone pilots, a skill they developed through a drone certification program offered at Corliss High School. This program equips students with the necessary expertise and qualifications to operate drones for various purposes, including documentation and surveillance.

Located in the Pullman neighborhood, Corliss High School lies within the project’s footprint, making this internship particularly relevant to the community. The students, identified as Nahumy Inguez, Matthew Melvin, and Deangelo Willis, will be responsible for capturing drone footage of current site conditions and monitoring changes throughout the construction process.

Throughout the duration of their internship, the students will work closely with engineers, construction managers, and planners. This collaboration allows them to gain insights into the project’s scope and a better understanding of the transportation and infrastructure industries. They will also have access to industry software, important for project management and data analysis.

The CTA’s commitment to community growth is evident as it focuses not just on transportation services but also on creating opportunities for local residents. The CTA aims to facilitate education and skill development that can positively impact the futures of students in the surrounding areas.

The interim superintendent of CPS underlined the project’s significance, noting that educational partnerships like this one enable students to have a voice in shaping their communities and future careers. This collaboration is a vital investment in local education and workforce readiness, creating pathways for students in various fields.

RSP-JV’s deputy construction manager expressed enthusiasm about teaching students critical aspects of construction management and engineering. The team’s goal is to provide students with practical knowledge and help them develop skills that can lead to successful careers.

The Red Line Extension is an ambitious $3.6 billion project designed to expand the Red Line from the 95th Street Terminal to 130th Street. The project aims to enhance public transportation accessibility and reliability for residents in the Far South Side area, which is crucial for fostering economic opportunities.

The RLE project will introduce four fully accessible stations and establish a new rail yard. Construction is set to commence in 2026 with a projected completion by the end of 2030. As the city undergoes significant changes through this construction, students’ involvement in documenting the process reflects an essential bridge between education and community development.

CTA plans to continue the internship program each summer as the RLE project unfolds. This ongoing collaboration between the CTA, CPS, and RSP-JV embodies a systematic approach to cultivating new talent while directly impacting the community’s future.

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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