WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (Feb. 2, 2026) — Students at Archbishop Stepinac High School will partner with Westchester County officials this spring on a research project examining how autonomous vehicles could one day be introduced in the county.

The collaboration with the Office of Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins will involve students in the school's Susan and Daniel P. Mahoney '67 Honors Academy, who will study issues tied to autonomous vehicle use, including safety, infrastructure, environmental impact and related policy considerations.

The project will serve as the case study for Stepinac's eighth annual Honors Academy Symposium, scheduled for May 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. The event is free and open to the public.

Rev. Thomas Collins '79, President of Archbishop Stepinac High School, said, "This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences. By engaging directly with county leadership on an issue that will shape the future of transportation, our students are developing the critical thinking, research, and leadership skills that define a Stepinac education."

The Mahoney Honors Academy integrates coursework in economics and finance, engineering, health sciences and law, with an emphasis on applying classroom learning to real-world challenges. During their junior year, students complete a yearlong research project that culminates in a public presentation.

In recent years, symposium topics have focused on issues affecting the local community. In 2024, students partnered with Blythedale Children's Hospital. Last year, students examined PFAS contamination in the White Plains Reservoir, working with city and state officials as part of their research.

This year's study explores the future of transportation in Westchester County and the opportunities and challenges associated with autonomous vehicle technology.

The partnership developed following discussions with Peter McCartt, Westchester County's Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability. McCartt said, "We are excited to work with these talented young minds on an emerging technology that has not yet reached Westchester commercially. Autonomous driving will inevitably become part of the conversation here, and important questions will arise. It's valuable to begin thinking about those issues now and stay ahead of how this technology may be applied."

Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, Assistant Director, along with other county staff members, will serve as mentors and provide feedback as the research progresses. Students will present their findings at the symposium to a panel of experts that includes county representatives.

"The students' work has the potential to contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations about mobility and accessibility in Westchester," said Veronica Smith, Stepinac's Health Sciences Co-Coordinator and Symposium Coordinator. "We're grateful to the county for giving them the opportunity to engage with an issue that will shape the future of transportation."

About Archbishop Stepinac High School

Archbishop Stepinac High School, located in White Plains, N.Y., is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and service. Through programs such as the Susan and Daniel P. Mahoney '67 Honors Academy, Stepinac encourages students to engage deeply with real-world issues while preparing them for success in college and beyond.