Corliss High School students engaged in documenting the Red Line Extension construction using drones.
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.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced an exciting opportunity for three students from Corliss Early College STEM High School to participate in an internship program focused on the Red Line Extension (RLE) project. Under this initiative, the students will document the construction of the 5.5-mile extension, providing them with valuable real-world experience in the field of transportation and infrastructure.
This internship program is in its second year and is a collaborative effort involving the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the CTA, and the construction management contractor REDefine Southside Partners Joint Venture (RSP-JV). The chosen students, two of whom are set to graduate in 2025 and one who is a rising senior, are all licensed commercial drone pilots. They will utilize their skills to capture drone footage of the installation process and monitor ongoing changes at the construction site.
Corliss High School is situated in the Pullman neighborhood, which falls within the footprint of the Red Line Extension project. The school offers a special drone certification program, enabling students to acquire the necessary skills to become licensed commercial drone pilots. As part of their internship, the students will gain hands-on experience by collaborating with engineers, construction managers, and planners.
The internship presents an exceptional opportunity for the students to familiarize themselves with industry-standard software and learn about potential career paths in transportation, infrastructure, and project management. Students like Nahumy Inguez (a rising senior), along with graduates Matthew Melvin and Deangelo Willis, will not only document site conditions but also engage with professionals to understand the comprehensive scope of the project.
Officials have emphasized that the internship program contributes significantly to both education and community development. The CTA, represented by its acting president, has highlighted that the organization strives to do more than merely provide transportation services; it focuses on creating avenues for local community growth. Similarly, the CPS interim superintendent has pointed out the crucial role of education and public investment, explaining that collaborative efforts like this internship allow students to play active roles in shaping their communities’ futures.
With excitement conveyed by the deputy construction manager of RSP-JV, the program aims to teach students about fundamental aspects of construction management and engineering. The CTA plans to sustain this internship throughout each summer for the duration of the Red Line Extension project, ensuring continuous educational support and opportunities for more students to engage with the construction process.
The Red Line Extension project represents a substantial investment of $3.6 billion, aimed at expanding the Red Line from the 95th Street Terminal to 130th Street. This initiative will introduce four fully accessible stations and a new rail yard as part of a broader effort to enhance accessibility, improve reliability, and create economic opportunities for residents on the Far South Side of Chicago. Construction is set to commence in 2026 and is expected to reach completion by the end of 2030.
As the Red Line Extension project progresses, the integration of local students from Corliss High School into the practical aspects of construction showcases a commitment to education, community involvement, and the development of future leaders in urban infrastructure.
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