Important Dates
About the Institute
Are you interested in learning about science, engineering, and transportation in an interactive, hands-on environment? Do you want to explore careers and education opportunities related to transportation? Then the National Summer Transportation Institute may be for you!
This free two-week summer day camp at the University of Minnesota will introduce you to the many aspects of the transportation field. You’ll go on field trips around the Twin Cities, participate in hands-on lab activities, and learn from experts about what it’s like to work in transportation.
At this camp, you will:
- Learn how different parts of the transportation system work together to keep you (and the things you buy) moving in cars, trucks, planes, and boats in Minnesota and beyond
- Take a spin in a driving simulator and learn how it’s used to make our roads safer
- Imagine and plan what you think transportation will look like in the future
- Go behind the scenes on exciting field trips around the Twin Cities to places like an airport, transit facility, and maintenance facility
- Tour the University of Minnesota campus and get a feel for college life
Location and Transportation
The camp will begin each day at the Center for Transportation Studies on the U of M’s East Bank campus. Transportation to and from the camp is the reponsibility of attendees’ parents/guardians.
Applicant Requirements
The camp is open to students that meet the following criteria:
- Are entering grades 7–9
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Have completed or be qualified to enroll in pre-algebra
- Have an interest in engineering, science, transportation, or technology-related careers
Application Process
Applications should include the following:
- Completed National Summer Transportation Institute application form (136 KB PDF)
- A one-page typed essay (single spaced) describing your career interests, interest in transportation, and how National Summer Transportation Institute can help you reach your goals
- Two letters of recommendation (from your math, technology, or science teachers and/or a guidance counselor)
- Your academic transcript or a recent report card
- A list of your awards, achievements, and organizational memberships (optional)
Please submit your completed application package by Friday, April 1, to Kylie Bivins, National Summer Transportation Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 200 Transportation & Safety Building, 511 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (mail), [email protected] (e-mail), or 612-625-6381 (fax).
Please note: Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please send us your entire application, including all of the above materials, in one submission. If you have trouble meeting any of these requirements, please contact Kylie Bivins at [email protected] or 612-625-5608.
Admission Decisions
Applicants will be informed of admission decisions by April 29. More information about the selection process is available on our admission decisions page.