Metro Discovery Day

Introducing young people to the world of public transportation

Metro Discovery Day is an immersive educational summer program that connects middle school students with the people, places, and ideas that keep the Washington region moving. Through hands-on learning experiences, students explore how public transportation supports connected communities, promotes sustainability, creates access to opportunity through various career paths, and serves millions of residents and visitors every year.

Working in partnership with youth-serving organizations, Metro Discovery Day gives students an opportunity to experience public transit beyond the ride itself. Participants engage with Metro professionals, learn how the transit system operates, explore career pathways, and gain a deeper understanding of the role public transportation plays in daily life.

What students discover

Metro Discovery Day is designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and encourage civic engagement through interactive learning experiences such as:

• Meeting Metro employees from a variety of professional fields
• Learning about careers in transportation, engineering, safety, operations, technology, communications, and public service 
• Exploring how transit supports sustainable and connected communities
• Building confidence using public transportation safely and responsibly
• Participating in hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborative learning
• Seeing behind-the-scenes aspects of Metro operations
• Reflecting on how young people can help shape the future of transportation in our region

Why Metro Discovery Day matters

Public transportation does more than move people from place to place. It connects communities, supports economic opportunity, expands access to education and employment, and helps create a more sustainable future.

Metro Discovery Day helps young people understand these connections while encouraging them to see themselves as future commuters, leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. The program also provides meaningful exposure to careers and industries that many students may not otherwise encounter.

Partnering with community organizations

Metro Discovery Day is made possible through partnerships with school districts, nonprofit organizations, youth development organizations, summer programs, and other community-based groups that serve young people throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Community Partners play a vital role in helping students participate in the program by:

• Identifying and recruiting participating students
• Providing chaperones and supervision
• Supporting student learning and engagement
• Coordinating transportation and program logistics
• Serving as trusted partners in youth development

Metro is committed to building lasting relationships with organizations that share a commitment to transit education, workforce awareness, civic engagement, and youth empowerment.

For guardians, educators, and students

If you are a guardian, student, or educator interested in future Metro Discovery Day programs, participation is coordinated through vetted Metro Community Partners. We encourage you to connect with local youth-serving organizations to learn about future program opportunities.

Become a Metro Community Partner 

Community-serving organizations interested in future opportunities are encouraged to join the Metro Community Partner network. By subscribing to the Community Partner email list, organizations will receive information about upcoming programs, partnership opportunities, application periods, and other community engagement initiatives.

Learn more about becoming a Metro Community Partner