Illinois Tollway Showcases Youth Focused Trailblazers Program at Bud Billiken Parade
Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse led dozens of Illinois Tollway employees, community partners, and Scouting youth through Chicago’s South Side as part of the historic Bud Billiken Parade — the nation’s largest African American parade and a cherished tradition for nearly a century.
Held at the end of summer, the parade celebrates community pride and the start of a new school year — a perfect backdrop for the Tollway to highlight its Trailblazers program, which connects students of all ages to hands-on learning, career exploration, and mentorship opportunities.
“Our Tollway Trailblazers programming is designed to spark innovation, curiosity, and ambition in young people,” Rouse said. “The Bud Billiken Parade brings the entire community together in celebration, and it’s the ideal moment to share how we’re investing in the next generation of leaders while reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve.”
The Tollway Trailblazers initiative offers a range of experiences:
- College students participate in internships and mentoring, with a focus on engineering, communications, business services, and IT.
- High school students tour maintenance sites, meet with Tollway experts, and explore future career paths.
- Elementary students join STEAM-focused events and hands-on demonstrations, including special programs for Girl Scouts and Scouts to earn merit badges in traffic safety, engineering, automotive maintenance, and sustainability.
At the Bud Billiken festival, attendees also connected with Tollway staff to learn about customer services and community resources — from the I-PASS Assist program to child seat safety checks, Kids Safety ID cards, and career opportunities.
The combination of a beloved community celebration and forward-looking youth engagement made the day both a salute to tradition and an investment in the future.