The extent of minority underrepresentation in professional and managerial positions in the transportation industry is discussed. Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been involved in the recruitment and training of minority transportation professionals, but these institutions have not been adequately used as a source of trained professionals for the transportation industry; future efforts to attract minorities to the transportation field should include active support for programs in these institutions. Two successful programs were designed to increase minority participation in the field of transportation. The first program is the FAA's Airway Science Program, which has already established FAA-approved academic programs in seven HBCUs. The second program is Morgan State University's Career Development and Training Project (CDTP), which carries out a variety of activities including recruitment, counseling, providing financial aid, placing students in internship or co-op programs, and conducting workshops.

None of the challenges in transportation can be met unless individuals working in the field have the quality education and background to take on the professional responsibilities.... In preparing the next generation of transportation professionals, particular attention must be given to attracting and retaining minorities and women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, who have not been wellrepresented in higher level educational programs and among transportation professionals in the past.(1).