On Wednesday, students from New Albany High School and Cornerstone Academy participated in a transformative career exploration experience at the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). The visit provided students with an in-depth look at the vital role public transportation plays in our community, while also exposing them to a wide range of career opportunities within the organization.

Learning the Legacy: COTA’s Impact and Innovation

The day began with energizing icebreakers and an informative presentation that detailed COTA’s long-standing history of service in Central Ohio. Students gained insight into COTA’s operations, including its extensive bus routes, rider support services, and innovative initiatives like the LinkUS Mobility Corridors Project—a future-forward plan to enhance transit accessibility and efficiency throughout the region.

Discovering Career Pathways: From Operations to Engineering

Following the presentation, students were introduced to the diverse career paths available within COTA, including unionized roles such as transportation operators, as well as positions in legal counsel, human resources, mechanics, maintenance, and engineering. Staff members shared personal stories of how they entered their fields and what makes working at COTA meaningful—highlighting the importance of public service and purpose-driven work.

A standout moment came when students learned that each COTA bus costs approximately $1.3 million—underscoring the scale and responsibility of the work performed at the transit authority.

Behind the Scenes: Touring the Bus Hangar

Equipped with safety vests, students were taken on a guided tour of COTA’s expansive bus maintenance facility, where they saw firsthand how vehicles are serviced every 10,000 miles. From diagnostics to repairs, the tour gave students an inside look at the sophisticated systems and skilled professionals that keep Columbus moving safely and efficiently.

One COTA engineer shared how his path led him to the organization and spoke about the fulfillment he feels in maintaining critical infrastructure that serves over 10 million riders annually.

Engaging Students Through Fun and Reflection

To close out the day, COTA hosted a Donato’s pizza lunch followed by a fun and interactive trivia session. Students answered questions related to the day’s learning and earned swag bags for their participation. As a final gift, each student received a COTA “Mentor” hat—symbolizing the importance of leadership and encouraging them to serve as mentors in their own communities and schools.

Why It Matters: Bridging Education and Real-World Opportunity

This visit exemplifies the power of experiential learning and community partnership. By stepping outside of the classroom and into real-world environments, students gained not only exposure to future career paths but also inspiration to pursue work that contributes to the greater good. COTA’s openness and commitment to education further demonstrate how local organizations can play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Thank You to COTA

We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire COTA team for hosting this memorable and educational experience. Your dedication to public service and youth empowerment made a lasting impression on our students.

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