WASHINGTON — The annual U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Awards seek to raise awareness among transportation stakeholders about human trafficking and increase training and prevention efforts to address this crime.
“The awards are a component of the Department’s Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking (TLAHT) initiative,” DOT said. “Additional information regarding DOT’s counter-trafficking efforts can be found here. The awards serve as a platform for transportation stakeholders to creatively develop impactful and innovative counter-trafficking tools, initiatives, campaigns, and technologies that can help prevent human trafficking. The awards are open to individuals and entities, including non-governmental organizations, transportation industry associations, research institutions and state, local and Tribal government organizations.”
Winners to Receive Cash Prizes
This year, entrants will compete for three cash awards:
- Up to $100,000 for first place.
- Up to $50,000 for second place.
- Up to $25,000 for third place.
“These prizes are to be awarded to the individual(s) or entities selected for creating the most impactful and innovative counter-trafficking initiative or technology,” DOT said. “DOT seeks to incentivize individuals and entities to think creatively in developing innovative solutions to combat human trafficking in the transportation industry, and to share those innovations and lessons learned with the broader community.”
Submissions will be accepted through 11:59pm EST on June 22. Learn more about previous winners and view the Federal Register Notice for full details and submission instructions.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
