Learn More About LDC

Join the Legacy. Lead the Change.

It all starts here.

Steeped in the legacy of visionary leadership and forward-thinking, Eno’s Leaders Development Conference (LDC) offers a unique incubator for graduate students poised to shape the future of transportation. This distinguished program is a testament to our dedication to the advanced education and professional development of those who will spearhead tomorrow’s breakthroughs in transportation-related disciplines, including engineering, planning, public policy, and more.

Is LDC for you?

If the following describes you, then LDC is a good fit!

  • You are a student in transportation-related program, like engineering, planning, public policy, or public administration (and many others).
  • You are currently pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree.
  • You will matriculate in the 2024 academic year or after.
  • You are passionate about building better multimodal transportation systems for all.
  • You are ready to enrich your academic journey with real-world insights and professional networking.

What should I expect at LDC?

During the 5-day conference Fellows can expect to:

  • Engage with nationally recognized experts who will share their perspectives from decades of experience and ‘deep smarts.’
  • Participate in informal, off the record, conversations on hard-hitting topics affecting the transportation industry.
  • Gain a look “inside the beltway” on how transportation policy gets enacted at the federal state, and local levels.
  • Network with peers from top colleges and universities and industry professionals during panels and evening activities.

“The LDC program has at least two lasting impacts: teaching fellows how policy is made and how complex the process is, and establishing a network of fellows.”

“I think every participant is surprised by the complexity and scale of transportation policy, and the biggest impact is a lasting respect for the details and complexity of the system.”

Don‘t Miss Next Year’s Program

Sign up for the LDC Interest List

How to Support the Leaders Development Conference

For graduate students—our LDC Fellows—this program provides a pivotal opportunity to immerse themselves in a dynamic setting that fosters innovation and strategic networking. Through hands-on learning and direct access to industry leaders, Fellows gain invaluable insights and develop relationships that propel their careers forward. Your donation enables these promising leaders to harness their full potential, contributing significantly to the advancement and sustainability of the transportation sector.

Sponsor a Fellow Donate to the Scholarship Fund

WHO SHOULD APPLYHOW TO APPLYPROGRAM SCHEDULE & LOGISTICSCOURSE OBJECTIVESPROGRAM COSTS AND BENEFITSSCHOLARSHIPSLOGISTICSHEALTH & SAFETYCONTINUING CREDITSHELPFUL APPLICATION RESOURCESPersuasion Toolkit

The Eno Leaders Development Conference is designed for students currently enrolled in transportation-related programs, including engineering, planning, public policy, public administration, economics, management, and law. Students interested in any mode of transportation are encouraged to apply.

Candidates must be current graduate-level students in good academic standing and pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree.

First, LDC applicants must be nominated by their school, university and/or the college (entity within the university. Self-nominations will not be considered. Nomination and selection to the LDC Program is highly competitive, and class size is limited to promote a convening of the best and brightest students.

Eno will only accept up to two nominations from each college or university; however, those two must be from separate programs within the school. For example, a Civil Engineering student and a Law School student may both apply.

Nominees (the students) should be individuals who demonstrate leadership ability and the potential to assume a senior role in a transportation-related organization in the future. The students must be able to attend the entire conference scheduled for June 2 – 6. International students can apply for the conference as long as they are nominated by a United States college/university and are currently attending.

Nominators must be employed by the university or college and are typically student faculty advisors, heads of department, professors, deans, etc. Students are responsible for coordinating their nomination process according to the school’s internal protocol and approval process.

All required application materials must be posted to the Leaders Development Conference online application form.

Applicants must provide the following information:

  1. Online Application: Your completed online application forms including applicant information, nominator’s information, and completed scholarship application. Check out the questions and tips here.
  2. Statement of Interest: Please prepare a 750-1000-word essay.  For reading ease, use 1.5 spacing, Arial 11-pt. font. This equates to about 2 pages. In the Statement, you’ll be asked to explain your interest in the program through three (3) different frames: your background, your current path, and how the program experience might contribute to your professional development and future career goals. We would like to know what you’re passionate about (your voice), your power plan (vision), and your path (support on the journey). As graduate students, you’ve spent considerable time and money getting clear on how you’d like to serve others through who you are and what you do. Share insights on who you truly are and your commitment to service through some aspect of transportation. Check out our tips from the Application Success Series email here.
    • What’s your voice? What has shaped and motivated you to show up as you do?
    • What is your vision for the future in transportation (through your own lens and magic)? Explain how your personal, academic, and work experience have informed your interest in the program. Go beyond the observable and the achievements.
    • What’s the plan to get there? Explain why you wish to “be in the room” and among your peers at the LDC conference this year. How would the Program help you to manifest the vision?
  3. Updated Resume or CV (2-page limit): Job descriptions or equivalent documents are not acceptable resume submissions. Emphasis and ingenuity on substance rather than flair is recommended.
  4. Nomination Letter: A letter of recommendation (LOR) from the student’s faculty advisor is required. This should include an evaluation of the student’s qualifications and readiness for the transportation-related Conference. Please address academic accomplishments and leadership potential. Click here to check out our tips from the LDC Application Success Series (and sign up here to get on the list, if you haven’t already).
  5. Sponsorship Letter (Optional): If you have identified third-party individuals or entities that are interested in donating to support your learning experience, please include a signed letter, on official letterhead where applicable, indicating the financial pledge of support on the student’s behalf. Having a sponsor for your application or applying for a scholarship has no impact on the selection process, and ability to pay will not be factored into acceptance decisions. Please see Scholarships section.
Download Application Questions

The Program Selection Committee (“Committee”) will review all nominations and select the candidates for the 2024 Conference. In making the selections, the Committee will consider each applicant’s accomplishments and demonstrated leadership ability, academic program, intent to pursue a career in a transportation-related field and interest in national transportation issues. Overall, the selection process moves from applicants’ review, to selected candidates, then invitation to participate as an Eno LDC fellow, and lastly, acceptance of the invitation by the candidate. This process is time-sensitive and will require students to remain attuned and responsive to emails and communication from Eno, the school, sponsors, etc. Please adjust any spam filters to include Eno as a known contact.

Cancellations 

All cancellations must be made in writing to an Eno staff member at least 30 days in advance of the start of the program. Program fees will not be refunded and your spot can’t be transferred. Should the event be canceled by force majeure, Eno is not responsible for any penalty incurred because of purchasing a non-refundable travel ticket or related travel/personal costs. 

Applications can be completed by the student or the nominator. Applications must have all required fields and documents to be considered complete. If you have questions or issues with the online forms, contact publicaffairs@enotrans.org

The application deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 6, 2024 by 11:59pm EST.

The LDC agenda will likely cover topics such as:

  • The Federal Transportation Program
  • Transportation Workforce Development
  • Transportation Funding and Finance
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Freight and Logistics
  • Equity and Accessibility
  • Aviation Industry
  • Lobbying, Advocacy, and Special Interests
  • Local Transportation and Mobility
  • Sustainability and Climate Change

Sample Program Agenda* 

View/Download as PDF

*Subject to change without notice

Cancellations 

All cancellations must be made in writing to an Eno staff member at least 30 days in advance of the start of the program. Program fees will not be refunded and your spot can’t be transferred. Should the event be canceled by force majeure, Eno is not responsible for any penalty incurred because of purchasing a non-refundable travel ticket or related travel/personal costs. 

  • Develop  your  multimodal transportation knowledge with diverse perspectives and insights from nationally recognized experts
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and strategies behind transportation policy formulation and enactment at the federal level
  • Develop business and leadership skills
  • Develop a stronger peer network across transportation modes and interests

Eno is committed to making the LDC program accessible and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder passionate and deserving candidates from participating. Thanks to supporters of this program, the Eno Fellows participate at minimal cost to them. We are pleased to offer scholarship opportunities, as needed, made possible by our sponsors and Board of Directors. A detailed overview of the costs and benefits of the program is provided below:

  1. Program Costs:
    • The full direct costs to provide the 2024 LDC program for one student is $4,000.
    • Program costs include:
      • Coverage of some meals. including a graduation networking reception. 
      • Hotel lodging for Sunday through Thursday night for a double occupancy room. Additional nights can be reserved at the participant’s expense.
      • Lifetime Eno Alumni Association membership to provide ongoing career support.
      • Complimentary subscription to ‘Propel’—Eno’s online digital publication for Eno’s Professional Development alumni.
      • A complimentary “Alumni Premium” membership, which includes a subscription to Eno Transportation Weekly (ETW), the premier transportation publication covering all elements of transportation policy and practice, written by the renowned Jeff Davis, Eno Senior Fellow.
      • Direct engagement with VIP speakers and guests
      • Post-course opportunity to be published in Eno publication.
      • Peer-to-peer networking.
    • Admission to the program includes a scholarship for the student to cover the program costs, so they do not come out of the student’s pocket. Scholarships for the students are provided from Eno’s LDC Fellows Fund, as well as any contributions from the student’s university, college or other entity.
    • Employers, universities, or other entities are encouraged to support at least 25% of the student’s participation ($1,000 or more), as they are able. Please include a letter, on official letterhead, to indicate their commitment of support and expected amount.
    • Once accepted into the program, students are responsible for a Program Materials fee of $100.
      • This fee covers a transit pass and printed program book and materials.
  2. Travel:
    • Students are responsible for their own travel to the conference. Scholarships are available, including economy air or rail fare and fees, and ground transportation to and from the airport or train station.

Having a sponsor for your application or applying for a scholarship have no impact on the selection process, and ability to pay will not be factored into acceptance decisions. Once Fellows are selected, they will be notified of scholarship(s) at that time. It’s possible to receive both the Travel and Program Scholarships.

If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding the program costs, scholarships, or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at publicaffairs@enotrans.org.

Cancellations 

All cancellations must be made in writing to an Eno staff member at least 30 days in advance of the start of the program. Program fees will not be refunded and your spot can’t be transferred. Should the event be canceled by force majeure, Eno is not responsible for any penalty incurred because of purchasing a non-refundable travel ticket or related travel/personal costs. 

Named Program Scholarships:

The Leadership Development Conference is made possible by the Eno Transportation Foundation with the generous support of our sponsors, organizations with a commitment to helping develop transportation leaders. Below is a partial list of scholarships available, but additional, unnamed scholarships are made available by Eno’s Board to ensure qualified participants are able to attend, regardless of ability to pay.

  • Transurban Award: Transurban’s dedication to mobility goes beyond concrete and steel solutions. In addition to getting people where they need to go safety and reliably, workforce development is a top priority—investing in the next generation of technicians, engineers, and designers. The transportation infrastructure of tomorrow won’t build itself, from new roads and improvements to innovative technology—it’s the people behind the road that will get us there. The Transurban Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who exhibits a strong commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure.
  • Lillian Borrone Award: Lillian Borrone is the former Chair of the Eno Center of Transportation. Mrs. Borrone retired from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as Assistant Executive Director. She has held numerous other high level transportation jobs such as Director of the Port Commerce Department, overseeing the New York and New Jersey marine terminals, waterfront and economic development projects, and, international relations responsibilities, political appointee at the U.S. Department of Transportation as Associate Administrator and then Deputy Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration’s predecessor agency, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration and in 2001, Mrs. Borrone was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the United States Commission on Ocean Policy.During her time as Chair of the Eno Board of Directors, Mrs. Borrone was an advocate for the Center’s leadership development programs. She took special care of the Future Leaders Development Program and has been actively involved with speaking to the Fellows. In 2016, after over 20 years on the Eno Board, Mrs. Borrone retired. In her honor, Eno named the Alumni Award after her.

    The Lillian Borrone Alumni Award is given to the highest-rated applicant in each Leaders Development class. Applications to be an Eno Fellow are scored by the Eno Board of Regents based upon academics, service, research, work experience, and a personal statement. This award was established in 2015.

  • Rodney E. Slater Award: Rodney Slater served as secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in the Clinton Administration. Before being named secretary in 1997, Mr. Slater was administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. From 1987 to 1992, he was a member of the Arkansas State Highway Commission, serving as its chairman in 1992. As secretary, Slater focused on leadership. He strove to make USDOT visionary and vigilant, and he motivated all employees to work toward transportation excellence. Mr. Slater introduced more than 3 million young people to the challenges and rewards of a career in transportation through the Garrett A. Morgan program. The Rodney E. Slater Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities amidst life’s challenges and adversity, a thirst for knowledge, and a drive to achieve.
  • Charles William Koch Award: Charles William Koch devoted his professional career to transportation improvements. Much of his professional work was in the area of railroad operations and highway traffic engineering. He conducted traffic surveys, developed traffic plans, and evaluated project alternatives for a number of improvements in U.S. cities. He also specialized in bus and railroad operations and modernization, as well as rapid transit planning. During World War II, he worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in France, Germany, and the Philippines. He also spent five years working on traffic control, highway relocation, and transportation planning in Basel, Switzerland. In his will, Mr. Koch made a bequest to the Eno Transportation Foundation, with the purpose of increasing knowledge and developing better ways to address transportation issues. The Charles William Koch Scholarship, awarded annually, recognizes exceptional academic achievement and leadership qualities evidenced by a student specializing in transportation operations.
  • GAR Foundation Award: The GAR Foundation is a private, independent foundation established in 1967 as a charitable trust by Galen J. Roush, co-founder and chief executive officer of Roadway Express. The Foundation has distributed more than $115 million since its inception to support charitable organizations within the Foundation’s areas of interest, including education, the arts, social services, and activities that are judged for the general good of the community. The GAR Foundation’s mission statement is “To strengthen communities in our region through discerning and creative support of worthy organizations.”
  • Dr. Thomas D. Larson Fellowship: Dr. Thomas (“Tom”) D. Larson exhibited a lifelong commitment to the fields of transportation and engineering. He was born near Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, and attended Penn State University, where he earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in civil engineering.  He later returned to Penn State where he founded what is now known as the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute. In 1970, Dr. Larson helped establish the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and was later appointed by Governor Richard Thornburgh to lead the agency as Secretary. Dr. Larson was an active leader in a number of professional organizations. He was affiliated for many years with the Eno Transportation Foundation.  As chairman of Eno’s Board of Regents, he was a strong proponent of the Leadership Development Conference sponsored for graduate students in transportation-related disciplines. To honor Dr. Larson’s important contributions, the Board of Directors of the Eno Foundation has established the Dr. Thomas D. Larson Fellowship, which supports the participation of one Eno Fellow in the annual Conference. This fellowship recognizes an individual enrolled in a doctoral program in transportation who reflects Dr. Larson’s lifelong commitment to pursuing excellence in the field.

Travel Scholarships:

  • These scholarships are designed to cover the travel costs associated with attending the program, including air or rail ticket fare and fees and ground transportation to and from the airport or train station. If you are awarded a travel scholarship, up to $1,000 travel cost will be reimbursed, based on receipts provided.

Supporting the LDC Scholarship Fund:

Encouraging someone to invest in your future through the LDC Scholarship Fund is a step towards realizing your aspirations in the transportation field. By seeking a sponsor, you’re not just asking for support; you’re inviting someone to be a part of your journey towards becoming a leader who shapes the future of transportation. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or an organization, your sponsor will be contributing to a program that enriches your education, broadens your network, and sharpens your vision. There are two ways people can support you and the LDC Program:

  1. Pledging a donation to support you if you are accepted: Fellows are asked to submit a signed letter from the sponsor indicating the financial donation on the student’s behalf. Eno will follow up with the sponsor accordingly to confirm donations.
  2. Donating to support the scholarship fund: A donation to the Fellows Fund contributes to the collective pool, assisting students like you in accessing this invaluable learning experience.

Lodging:

Two Eno Fellows will share a room during the conference. Fellows may opt to pay for a single room or extend their hotel stay at their own cost.

Meals:

The program will cover most meals during the program week. We’ll start each day with continental breakfasts and enjoy lunch together wherever we may be that day. Most evenings, you’re on your own for dinner. On Thursday, June 6th, we will have a celebratory graduation ceremony and reception in the evening to wrap up the week.

Attire:

You will meet and engage with transportation leaders and luminaries throughout the week, including our partners on Capitol Hill. Professional, smart attire to include jackets, slacks, dresses, skirt/blouse, appropriate comfortable shoes, etc., are required. For the graduation photo at Thursday evening’s reception, we recommend business attire (more on the conservative side).

Please also note that the program is “itinerant,” meaning that the Fellows and Eno Team will move around DC to meet with distinguished leaders, panelists, etc. This is part of the fun! Comfortable walking shoes and weather-wise clothing are strongly advised.

To ensure a safe and immersive learning experience, all participants are required to undergo a brief Health and Safety check prior to beginning each program day. Participants must also comply with any state and local COVID-19 mask mandates and protocols. Please note that Eno cannot guarantee social distancing within the learning environment.

*Eno currently adheres to and implements COVID-19 recommendations from the CDC. COVID-19 recommendations and requirements are subject to change with or without notice.

Eno is an American Planning Association (APA) – American Institute of Certified Planners™ (AICP) certified member. 

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for activities in accordance with this program. Participants are eligible for Certification Maintenance credits once they have successfully completed the program and met all certification requirements. Information on how to claim credits will be sent to participants interested in claiming the credits after the program’s completion. 

Statement of Interest:

  • An example of a successful statement from past Fellow: Andisheh Ranjibari (Rodney Slater Award Recipient)
  • Click here for helpful tips on how to write an effective statement of interest.
  • Tips on how to proofread your work for the best results.

Updated Resume:

Nomination Letter:

Need some help persuading your faculty advisor?  Check out the resources below to build your own persuasion kit to secure your nomination!

Eno is an independent, non-partisan think-tank that shapes public debate on critical multimodal transportation issues and builds an innovative network of transportation professionals.

1629 K Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
P: 202.879.4700

publicaffairs@enotrans.org