The Alstom Foundation recently announced a new grant to support the New York Transit Museum’s social engagement programs for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This grant arrives at a key moment as the Museum aims to expand its offerings to older teens and young adults, providing a structured, welcoming environment where social skills can flourish. For over a decade, this non-profit has crafted programs centered on building social confidence and offering youth and young adults with autism a safe space to practice social interactions.
“The Alstom Foundation is committed to supporting social needs including access to mobility, access to water & energy, environmental protection, and economic & social development, particularly the employability of women and youth. The New York Transit Museum uses their connection to trains and transportation to unlock opportunities for youth with autism to connect with their peers and to get skills they need to connect to future careers,” said Anne-Cecile Barbier, CSR Director and Alstom Foundation General Secretary. “We could not ask for a more dedicated partner organization and look forward to supporting the Museum as they expand on the programming they provide for older teens and young adults.”
This unique partnership aligns with recent research into the relationship between individuals with autism and their interest in trains and transit. Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University, has found that trains are often a common special interest for people with autism due to a preference for “predictable, systematic information.” Adults with ASD often face higher rates of unemployment and underemployment than those without ASD, creating barriers to independence and economic stability. Through its collaboration with the Alstom Foundation, the New York Transit Museum is addressing these challenges and creating inclusive pathways toward fulfilling careers for youth and young adults with autism. This effort reflects the Alstom Foundation’s commitment to supporting local communities and advancing meaningful employment opportunities.
The Alstom Foundation’s grant will directly support Transit Quest, an immersive five-day camp for youth ages 14-17, as well as a new pilot initiative, Transit Quest Propel, designed for young adults ages 15-21. Transit Quest Propel will focus on career readiness, including both group activities and skill-building exercises within the transit system. These programs encourage participants to engage with New York City’s transit infrastructure, fostering collaboration, interpersonal growth, and career exploration. The grant will help fund program expenses in 2024-2025, covering everything from staffing to scholarships for low-income participants. This announcement also reflects Alstom’s longstanding support as a corporate member and sponsor of the Museum.
“We are delighted that the Alstom Foundation has recognized the incredibly important role that the Transit Museum plays in the lives of both New York families and New Yorkers with disabilities,” said Dani Simons, Alstom Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Americas, and a key promoter of the project. “New York City is an important hub for Alstom with over 300 employees in the Tri-State area, and we are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Transit Museum and to be able to support this important project that will help open doors for New York City youth.”
As Director Concetta Bencivenga of the New York Transit Museum explains, “Like so many of the young people we serve, the New York Transit Museum finds transportation inspiring. We’re honored to receive this support from the Alstom Foundation enabling us to continue to provide a supportive environment for teens to connect through their love of transit and to further explore what a career in the transportation sector could look like.”
The New York Transit Museum Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of public transportation, the New York Transit Museum stands as the largest museum in the U.S. focusing on urban transit history. Located in a historic 1936 IND subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, it’s recognized internationally as a leading institution in the field. The Museum features exhibits, educational programs, and workshops that explore the rich social, technological, and cultural history of New York’s transit systems. For nearly 25 years, it has also maintained a Gallery & Store in Grand Central Terminal. Through both locations, the Museum continues its mission to engage, educate, and inspire future generations, including youth and young adults with autism, about the pivotal role of transportation in our lives.
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