Inside the Tollway

The moment a student realizes, “I could do this.” That’s when everything changes.

Through the Illinois Tollway’s Roadway Scholars program, high school students are stepping beyond the classroom and into the real world of transportation, exploring the projects, skills and careers that keep the drivers moving every day.

As Tollway Recruiter Alex Gomez shares in this latest Milestones video, “We connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities – opening students’ eyes to opportunities they may not have considered. The Tollway offers opportunities in engineering, operations, technology and more. We have something for all.”

Launched in 2023, the Roadway Scholars program has engaged more than 550 students from 16 Chicago-area high schools, with immersive visits across the Tollway system – including Tollway maintenance facilities and active construction sites.

From hands-on experiences in the field to conversations with professionals, the Illinois Tollway is helping students to see how their interests can translate into meaningful careers – and where they might fit into the future of transportation.

More than a behind-the-scenes experience, it’s an investment in the future – building a strong workforce pipeline while inspiring the next generation to see themselves in the work.

Because sometimes, one moment is all it takes to set a future in motion.

View the Milestones video - https://youtu.be/HX6Fc3cYKR4