Metro Discovery Day summer program inspires future transit careers

Regional youth-serving organizations partnered with Metro to give students hands-on access to careers, transportation, and civic learning

This week, Metro launched its new Discovery Day program, bringing middle school students from across the National Capital Region behind the scenes of America’s Metro System that moves hundreds of thousands of customers in the DMV. The program aligns with Metro's strategic priorities to strengthen community engagement, build the future workforce, and create meaningful connections between young people and public transportation.

During the week of July 20 - 24, students participated through community-based organizations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Each group spent time exploring Metro operations, meeting transit professionals, learning about career opportunities, and discovering how public transportation supports the environment, accessibility, and economic opportunity. 

Metro's inaugural Discover Day Partners included:

• City Kids Wilderness Project (DC)
• Liberty's Promise (VA, MD, and DC)
• George Washington University's Changemakers with Elliott Hine Middle School (DC)

"Metro Discovery Day helps students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers and community impact," said EVP and Chief Customer Officer Sarah Meyer. "By partnering with outstanding youth-serving organizations, we introduce the next generation of transit advocates to the people, professions, and public service that keep our region moving."

The pilot program reflects Metro's commitment to investing in future customers, employees, and stronger community partnerships. Students participated in hands-on activities, guided transit experiences, and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities at Metro facilities while engaging directly with the professionals who operate and support the system every day.

As part of the program, students also toured Metro's Integrated Command and Communications Center (MICC), where they learned how Metro coordinates rail, bus, and emergency operations across the region in real time. The visit gave students a firsthand look at the technology, teamwork, and decision-making required to keep the system operating safely and reliably. Learn more about the program at wmata.com/discoveryday.

Metro plans to build the pilot by expanding relationships with youth-serving organizations throughout the region and developing future opportunities for students to engage with public transportation, workforce development, and civic learning. Youth-serving organizations interested in future opportunities are encouraged to join Metro's Community Partner network to receive updates on upcoming programs and partnerships. Learn more at wmata.com/community.

About Metro 

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region’s leading public transportation provider, serving a population of approximately four million people across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia within a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction.  With a network of six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and a door-to-door paratransit service, Metro is the second busiest transit system in the United States serving 268.9 million trips in 2025 with a $5 billion operating and capital budget. Since 2022, Metro has completed multiple transit-oriented development projects that have brought $15 million in tax revenue to the region from housing, office, and retail space in our community. Safety and security are core values at Metro. Over 30,000 cameras monitor the system, and Metro currently has the lowest crime rate in history with fare evasion declining on rail and bus. In 2025, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) named Metro the Transit Agency of the Year in recognition of industry-leading ridership growth, record high customer satisfaction, a newly redesigned Bus network, expanded rail service, and improved customer experience.