DALLAS – September 15, 2026 Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is excited to announce the High School Student Bus Maintenance Externship Program in collaboration with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) Automotive Technician Program of Study. Together, these programs aim to deliver supervised, hands-on educational exposure to bus maintenance and related technical career pathways for each participating student. Through this initiative participating Dallas ISD high school students will be paired with DART bus maintenance professionals throughout the semester to gain real-world, industry-level training.  

“DART recognizes just how important it is to support education in the region, and to cultivate the next generation of diesel maintenance mechanics. Our expansive fleet of vehicles and professional mechanics are available for Dallas ISD students to expand their experience,” said Trenise Winters, DART Chief Operations Officer. “Through this collaboration, we aim to help our Dallas ISD partners prepare students, while addressing the current diesel maintenance mechanic workforce shortage in our industry.” 

DART bus maintenance professionals plan to deliver a series of learning opportunities for the students including multi-point vehicle inspections, engine fundamentals, and interior climate system maintenance. Through these skill-building experiences, students will work alongside DART professionals to gain technical proficiency and leadership skills; ultimately preparing them for high-demand careers. 

"Our students grow the most when they’re in the real world solving real problems," said Oswaldo Alvarenga, Dallas ISD Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives. "For us, partnering with DART is a meaningful way to support the next generation of skilled technicians while creating immediate, hands-on impact for our students in high-demand career pathways." 

For more information about DART’s commitment to helping communities grow in a more sustainable and connected way, please visit www.DART.org/value 

About DART 

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides modern public transit services designed for fast, comfortable, and economical travel. The agency operates light rail, Trinity Railway Express, regional rail, bus routes, GoLink on-demand service, and paratransit, moving more than 171,000 passengers daily across a 700-square-mile, 12-city region including Addison, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Irving, Richardson, Rowlett, Plano, and University Park.