Diversity and Inclusion
Our diversity is our strength.
First Student is committed to further building on our existing diversity and inclusion efforts
First Student is made up of a diverse workforce that serves some of the most diverse communities across North America.
The racial and gender diversity of our workforce exceed the US workforce as a whole. First Student employs African Americans at a rate that is two times higher than the U.S. national average for employers. We also employ women at a rate that’s nearly 10 percentage points higher than the national average.
However, we know there’s room to grow and more work to be done. That’s why in 2020, First Student launched the Diversity & Inclusion Council. The Diversity & Inclusion Council consists of 28 employees from across our organization. First Student’s CEO and President, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, location managers, maintenance personnel, human resources leadership, operations managers, and regional vice presidents come together to find new and impactful ways to promote diversity and inclusion in all areas of day-to-day work.
Mission Statement:
We aspire to have a culture where all people are First.
- We strive to attract and develop a diverse workforce by promoting teamwork and embracing cultural differences.
- We all play a role in advancing an inclusive environment where everyone is empowered to share their perspectives, listen, and respect others.
- We will achieve this by our leadership fostering a people-focused environment and engaging with our employees, customers, and communities.
- In doing so, we will sustain an inclusive culture that supports future growth and fulfills our social responsibility.
on Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity
Employs African Americans at a rate two times higher than the U.S. average
Employs women 10 percentage points higher than the national average
Employees
Driving Progress and Change Within the Transportation Industry
Workforce Diversity
U.S. Workforce |
|
| Race* | Gender |
| 77% White | 53% Men |
| 12% Black/African-American | 47% Women |
| 18% Hispanic | |
| 6% Asian | |
First Student Workforce |
|
| Race* | Gender |
| 54% White | 44% Men |
| 28% Black/African-American | 56% Women |
| 14% Hispanic | |
| 1% Asian | |
| (24% non-reporting*) |
D&I Subcommittees
Community Involvement
- To celebrate our First Student commitment to diversity and inclusion in the communities we serve. We will achieve positive and measurable outcomes with our customers, passengers, suppliers, and other stakeholders through strategic partnerships.
Development of Talent & Training
- To create a high-performing, sustainable organization that meets its strategic and operational goals and objectives by leveraging diverse talent. We do this by attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining a workforce that is a reflection of the communities we serve.
- Employees are encouraged to take the following courses through our First Student University program: Your Role in Workplace Diversity: Becoming a Diversity Advocate, Bridging the Diversity Gap: Barriers to Diversity, and Understanding Unconscious Bias: Types of Unconscious Bias.
Employee Experience & Communication
- To create and sustain a welcoming work environment where everyone can bring their best self to work. We do this through executing a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy that improves the employee experience at every level of the organization.
Learn More About Us
As the leading school transportation solutions provider in North America, First Student moves more passengers per day than all U.S. airlines combined. We know the value in leveraging our best practices, technologies, and processes to deliver quality transportation solutions. What sets us apart is our desire to build close, trusted partnerships with the districts we serve.