Program Overview

Logo image: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration with blue swirl image.

MaineDOT logo with the State of Maine seal

The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) Program is sponsored by the Maine Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.

 

The 2024 Maine Summer Transportation Institute (MSTI) is comprised of a one-week residential program (Sunday July 7th to Friday July 12th) and introduces students to transportation-related activities and careers.

Since over 9% of the workforce in the United States is in the transportation sector, a career in transportation is worth considering. NSTI is sponsored by the Maine Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Participants are offered the opportunity to enhance academic skills, explore career choices available in transportation, and engage in a wide range of activities that are both educational and enjoyable.

If you are interested in learning more about the transportation industry and the challenging opportunities that exist, this program is for you.

Components of the program include:

  • Field trips to Maine Maritime Academy, Bangor International Airport, and Cole Transportation Museum
  • Projects that promote hands-on learning and teamwork, including:
    • Rocket, car, and bridge building,
    • Soil/erosion activity,
    • 3D-Printing experiences (including visiting the Advanced Structures and Composites Center to see the World’s Largest 3D-Printer)
    • UMaine tour,
    • Physics Roadshow,
    • Planetarium Show and Star-gazing,
    • Surveying activity, and
    • Equipment Rodeo
  • Utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Developing communication skills through written and presentation opportunities
  • Recreation opportunities at the New Balance Student Recreation Center

***All activities are subject to change due to funding and weather-related changes.***

WHY STUDY TRANSPORTATION?

There are a number of exciting opportunities available in the field of transportation. By considering a career in transportation you will have the opportunity to help meet tomorrow’s complex transportation challenges. The transportation industry includes people from various disciplines working together to make sure that people and goods reach their destinations in a safe efficient way. Transportation touches everyone’s life in one way or another.

Participants will be exposed to the following modes of transportation:

AIR: In our global economy, air transportation plays a vital role in the opening of new markets both domestically and globally. Air transportation is an important part of how people travel for business, pleasure and for the transportation of specialized cargo items.

LAND: Trucks transport food, clothing and other necessary goods across America to stores near you. Efficient highways, railways and bus systems ensure that people travel safely to work and school each day and freight is moved from source to destination.

WATER: Sea and inland rivers form an important part of our transportation system. The U.S. has a large coastline dotted by busy seaports. In addition, water transportation has great recreational value.

SPACE: Space travel and the race to Mars are pushing the envelope in transportation. Additionally, space is an important part of ensure that our GPS, weather, and connectivity work.

Program Benefits

  • UMaine’s NSTI is fully supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Maine Department of Transportation.
  • Students selected to participate in this year’s program will receive classes, workshops, field trips, lunch and all activities at NO COST.
  • Knowledge of the Transportation Industry and transportation-related careers
  • Enhancement of oral and written communication skills
  • Enrichment activities in math
  • Computer skills workshops
  • Certificate of Completion awarded upon successful completion of program

 Applicants Must Meet the Following Requirements

  • Be a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader at the end of the 2024 academic school year (rising 7th to 9th graders)
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0
  • have an interest in Engineering, Science, Transportation, or Technology related career
  • Be committed to complete residential program on the UMaine Campus

How to Apply

Complete the application form and submit it along with the following supporting documents:

  • be in the 6th, 7th, or 8th
  • provide at least one letter of recommendation from a current teacher or STEM-related activity coordinator (i.e. a 4-H co-op leader).
  • write an essay of 1,000-word limit (Why student wants to participate in NSTI and how participating can assist in meeting individual career goals).
  • provide report card

Submit the application online using the form below:

The application process for the 2024 Maine Summer Transportation Institute is now closed. We look forward to seeing you in 2025.

 

For questions, comments, or assistance, please contact:

Amanda Collamore, Program Director

Office: (207) 679-7305

Email: amanda.collamore@maine.edu