In addition to the research just described under Project 20-24(3), the NCHRP became aware of a unique opportunity to advance specific portions of the "ARC model" with the actual development, application, and evaluation of prototype material. A pilot program had recently been created by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), with principal funding from the Federal Highway Administration, although several other organizations also provided financial support or made in-kind service contributions. This pilot program, which was a possible delivery mechanism for the prototype material, was called the TRAC (Transportation and Civil Engineering) Careers Center.

The TRAC pilot program was designed to provide advice and coordination for outreach activities on a national level. However, the primary implementation of specific outreach activities would be accomplished by regional TRAC centers and administered by university transportation centers, state departments of transportation, or a combination of both. For purposes of the pilot program, the outreach activities would be directed toward college-bound senior high school students.

Consequently, AASHTO developed prototype material through its TRAC Careers Center under NCHRP Project 20-24(3)A. AASHTO/TRAC Careers Center competitively selected The Naidus Group to do the actual work. The specific objective of Project 20-24(3)A was to develop prototype material for TRAC and to recommend suitable delivery mechanisms and evaluation criteria. The overall scope included concept, development, design, and recommendations for distribution and evaluation.

All work is completed. A summary has been published as NCHRP Research Results Digest 196-Revised, "A Unique, Hands-on Educational Program for High School Mathematics and Science Classes."