A group of children have lunch in the school cafeteria.
Image by USDA

Supporting students and finding long-term solutions to transportation challenges

Maggi Szpak at the Newfield School Garden

Engaging in school-related activities and events leads to greater levels of success

Two girls coloring at a table in school
Image by Mike Liu

Helping ensure all students and their families have the rides they need to be successful

Camp School Days 2013
Image by Holly Boname

Creating change within the school culture so that transportation is a school concern

Transportation and School Success

Students who engage in school-related activities and events experience greater levels of success in school. Yet, many students and their families/caregivers lack transportation to after-school events, activities, and school meetings. The School Success Transportation Coalition, a collaborative project, is creating a more inclusive school environment by helping all students and their families find the transportation they need to be successful.

For assistance with transportation to school-related events, visit ICSD Transportation Solutions and contact your school's Transportation Liaison.

Partnering with Ithaca City School District

The  School Success Transportation Coalition (School Success) started in 2008 by coordinator, Carrie Kerr, a retired teacher who learned firsthand about this obstacle to student success in our school district and took it upon herself to do something about it.

Way2Go joined School Success in 2009 to work with the Ithaca City School District, community members, and transportation service providers to find both individual support for students and long-term solutions to transportation challenges.

Transportation liaisons within the school are the lifeblood of the program. Located in every school in the Ithaca district, liaisons act as point people and problem solvers, helping students find rides, and creating greater awareness of student needs and supportive opportunities such as ridesharing.

The Ithaca School District highlights a range of transportation solutions for families to consider.

Way2Go supports these efforts by recruiting, training, and supporting school transportation liaisons, assisting with problem-solving, and making connections to service providers and other community-wide transportation initiatives.

Contact

Holly Payne
Environment Educator
hp67@cornell.edu
607-272-2292 x243

Last updated August 1, 2023