June 18, 2026 – For the second year in a row, GoTriangle, the Research Triangle region’s public transportation agency, has partnered with Durham Public Schools by inviting 12 high school interns to learn about public transit during the summer. These interns, as part of the Rising Star program, will gain valuable experience across multiple GoTriangle departments and introduce them to career pathways in public transit and government service.
“What started as an opportunity for six students during our inaugural year in 2025 has grown into a program serving 12 interns this summer, reflecting the success of the Rising Stars Internship Program and the strength of our partnership with Durham Public Schools,” said Carlos Espinosa Vanegas, Talent Acquisition Specialist & Rising Stars Internship Program Coordinator for GoTriangle. “Now in its second year, the program continues to provide students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional workplace.”
The Rising Stars program kicked off on June 15 with a welcome event, which was held at the Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center on Hillendale Road. The interns’ summer program will run officially from June 22 through the end of July, with a closing ceremony on August 3.
The dozen interns will complete 120 paid hours over the summer, and the internships will include orientation, mentorship and weekly check-ins. Throughout the program, interns work alongside GoTriangle employees across multiple departments, gaining exposure to public transportation, public service, and the many career opportunities. Students participate in real-world projects, develop professional and leadership skills, learn from experienced mentors, and gain a deeper understanding of how transportation agencies serve and connect communities throughout the Triangle region.
“The partnership between Durham Public Schools and GoTriangle gives students real projects and professionals who genuinely invest in them,” said Rosalind Garmon, Career Development Coordinator for Durham Public Schools. “Students leave with more developed workplace habits and a clearer picture of what a career in transportation looks like.”
Garmon credits GoTriangle Chief Information Officer Joy Malone, a former DPS student herself, for making the connection between the two organizations.
“She has made that possible by treating this partnership as a priority, and it shows in the students who come back with more confidence and direction than when they started,” said Garmon.
GoTriangle Director of Capital Development Richard Major has seen firsthand the value of the program. To Major, the word “privilege” comes to mind: a privilege to see their motivation, enthusiasm, collaboration, and tenacity.
“It was a privilege to coach, mentor, train, laugh, converse with them, and learn from and be inspired by them,” said Major. “Finally, it is a distinct privilege to be a part of such a caring organization that contributed to the exponential growth of our interns’ personal confidence and tremendous development as young people and aspiring professionals. I look forward to another great experience during the summer of 2026.”
The Rising Star program will conclude with a celebratory closing ceremony where interns will deliver short presentations reflecting on their experiences, lessons learned and suggestions for the future. Each intern will deliver a presentation to GoTriangle leadership and staff, sharing what they learned, the experiences that had the greatest impact on them, and recommendations for future improvements. This presentation allows students to reflect on their journey while showcasing the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the internship.
“We are proud to continue investing in the next generation of professionals and grateful for the partnership with Durham Public Schools that makes this opportunity possible,” said Espinosa Vanegas. “By expanding the program in its second year, we are creating even more opportunities for students to explore career pathways, gain valuable workplace experience, and prepare for future success.”