introducing youth to American infrastructure 

The critical infrastructure sectors – transportation, energy, water, communications, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, public health, financial services, and others -- literally shape the foundation of everyday life.


In our rapidly evolving world, sparking enthusiasm, nurturing talent, and empowering the next generation to understand and participate in these vital industries – “Community Building” – has never been more crucial.


We spotlight and build awareness of infrastructure careers, inspire young people to actively participate in planning, building, and strengthening our communities from the ground up by engaging them in “real-world” learning opportunities within their local communities.

Safe/Secure/Sustainable/Resilient/Smart/Access to Opportunity/Shared Prosperity

our mission

“Inspire, Prepare, and Empower the next generation of “Community-Builders” – future Infrastructure Leaders, Skilled Workforce and Managers, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Advocates, and Change Makers.”

Our organization is especially passionate about opening doors and opportunities for all groups and communities.

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what's happening at iyai+

The “Virtual” Grand Innovation Challenge 

“WELCOME” TO THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR AND SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY CAREERS…
Help build greater youth awareness of transportation/mobility careers and the critical role they play in building and shaping communities.

2025 Program Winners

Bay Area Rapid Transit District

The bartinators

Toronto Transit Commission

Team Tunnel Watch: When Tracks talk, we listen 

Youth Action Project

RideSplits

WHAT WE DO

“YOUTH VOICE” in COMMUNITY-BUILDING

The iyai+ program for young people brings a unique “community-building” perspective to increasing infrastructure career awareness and interest by highlighting the vital role these industries plays in shaping daily life. And, as importantly – through experiential learning opportunities, participants are encouraged to get actively engaged and play a part in helping to shape the communities in which they live. And help elevate the importance of “youth voices” in future planning and decision-making.

The program also offers valuable opportunities for youth to connect with knowledgeable professionals, potential mentors, and learn about industry educational and career resources -- nationally and in their local communities.

And, importantly sheds light on the key role infrastructure plays in national security, global competitiveness, access to opportunities, shared prosperity, sustainability and resilience for all people and communities.

Support iyai+

Start TODAY by Making a Donation

“Our People are Our Greatest Resource”.

There are Many Ways to Support Our Mission and Work to Inspire, Prepare and Empower the Next Generation of “Community-Builders”.

The work

Iyai+’s Unique Cross-Sectoral Approach is By Design

Greater Complexity, Collaboration, and Partnerships!

Today’s profoundly changing, and increasingly interdependent world requires rethinking the “career-readiness”, education, skills, lived and learned experiences and exposures necessary for sustainability, resilience, and global competitiveness in the 21st century.

There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors in the U.S. iyai+ national programming starts with a spotlight on the four (4) “lifeline” sectors – transportation, water, energy, communications – and other closely aligned sectors such as critical manufacturing, and information technology – which have a major impact on the methods, means, and technological deployment across the sectors.

Our work is anchored by core values – safe, secure, smart, sustainable and resilient “best-in-class” 21st century infrastructure which affords access to opportunity and shared prosperity for all people and communities. 

We also hold a deep commitment to the value and importance of meaningful, inclusive civic engagement which encourages “youth voice” and input from marginalized groups and communities in community decision-making.

Empowering the Next Generation: iyai+ Cardozo High School’s TransSTEM Academy

In an inspiring event that highlighted the importance of education and technology,

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iyai+ News

BART Innovation Team Celebrates Success at Headquarters After

Our Iyai+ Community at Work

Iyai+ programming would not be possible without our deeply committed Local Hosts, amazing youth participants, financial sponsors, national program advisors; and extensive network of supporters from industry (management, organized labor, and professional associations), community, educational institutions, and philanthropy.

How To Participate?

  • Make an Individual/Corporate Donation
  • Be a Local Host Organizer/Partner
  • Sponsor Annual Youth Program Activities
    -
    Career Awareness Webinars
    - Youth Voice Critical Conversation Series
    - Career Awareness Trivia Competition
    - “Virtual” Grand Innovation Challenge Competition
    - “Virtual” Annual Recognition Program
  • Be a Speaker/Virtual Tour Guide
  • Sponsor a “Paid” Community-Builder Fellow/Internship
  • Stay Connected: Be a Mentor/Navigational Guide/Reference/Sponsor/Champion

We value our relationships with our partners and sponsors, and are committed to working together to achieve our shared vision of a better future for all.

Support our orgaNIZATION

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