I-66 EMP Continues Work with Pink Space Theory To “Make Tech Pink”
66 Express Operator Collaborates with Local Female Students for Latest Hands-On Activity Promoting STEM Education
Manassas, Va. February 24, 2025 – The transportation infrastructure of the future is being designed by the students of today.
As part of its ongoing partnership with Pink Space Theory, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) – the consortium that operates and maintains the 66 Express Outside the Beltway – visited Swans Creek Elementary School on Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day to celebrate the accomplishments of students in the Make Tech Pink program. The event featured a Highway Interchange Design workshop, where students showcased their winter session STEM projects before working alongside I-66 EMP engineers and analysts to explore key concepts of roadway design, including traffic flow, and structural planning.
This workshop builds on previous STEM initiatives between I-66 EMP and Pink Space Theory, including a Snowplow Design field trip held in November 2024 at I-66 EMP’s Manassas office. During that session, students from three Prince William County elementary schools designed their own snowplows and learned how STEM principles apply to winter road maintenance.
I-66 EMP has demonstrated its commitment to STEM education by supporting Pink Space Theory through both engagement and financial contributions, including a $6,500 donation in August 2024 to further the nonprofit’ s mission of empowering young girls in science and technology fields.
“We’re very pleased to work with I-66 EMP again to encourage girls to consider careers in science and technology,” said Monica Nichols, founding president and CEO of Pink Space Theory. “I know our students have learned a lot from these workshops. We believe we’re creating the next generation of engineers right here.”
Looking ahead, I-66 EMP plans to expand its STEM outreach efforts, with additional collaborative events.
“Supporting STEM education has always been one of the main pillars of our community partnerships,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “That’s why we’re so fortunate to have Pink Space Theory as a strong community partner, so that together we can provide encouragement and support to girls interested in STEM learning.”
About Pink Space Theory:
As a mobile maker-space providing hands-on, 21st-century learning experiences, Pink Space Theory creates space for students to love learning about the subjects of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Pink Space Theory operates more than a half-dozen programs designed to inspire, train, and transform under-represented and under-served students to become the next generation of high-tech leaders. For more information and to enroll in Pink Space Theory’s programs, visit www.PinkSpaceTheory.org.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.
