A four-day event, Transportation YOU DC Youth Summit, will be kicking off on June 26 to celebrate the achievements of 15 female students from around the U.S. for their contributions to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies.

The candidates and their mentors are invited to introduce, inspire and guide other females towards a future in STEM studies and a career in the transportation industry. The summit is designed to bring together a high-profile network of female transportation professionals and awareness to available careers for women.

WTS Intl, an association responsible for building the future of the transportation industry with specific focus on the advancement of women, has been working with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) since 2010 when Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, signed a memorandum in support of STEM initiatives. The program supports President Obama's campaign to "Win the Future," created in response to a concern that U.S. education lacked STEM subjects.

If you're a young female interested in pursuing a career in STEM, WTS' Transportation YOU program is a place to check out for scholarship, internship and networking opportunities. At this year's summit, attendees will have the opportunity to visit USDOT for a behind-the-scenes look at the center of  transportation, 1-on-1 networking sessions with female DOT executives, tours of other transportation central intelligence centers and more!

Sarah Cechowski is the associate digital editor for Control Design and Industrial Networking. Email her at scechowski@putman.net or check out her Google+ profile.