Program overview

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

             

The Maine Institute in 2022 is comprised of two one-week non-residential programs (Mon-Fri weekdays) and introduces students to careers in the transportation industry.

Since one in seven jobs 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 several transportation-related facilities
  • Projects that promote hands-on learning and teamwork
  • Guest speakers who will discuss current issues in transportation
  • On-campus experiences
  • Academic enrichment activities
  • Essay Writing Competition
  • Teen Self Awareness Seminars

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.

Program Benefits

  • UMO’s NSTI is fully supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
  • 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 rising 6th, 7th, or 8th grader at the end of the current academic school year
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0
  • have an interest in Engineering, Science, Transportation, or Technology related career
  • Be committed to complete non-residential program on the UMO Campus
  • PLEASE NOTE: The sessions are offered as non-residential. If you live outside the covered transportation area, lodging and transportation are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

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.
  • 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

Choose the week:

Submit the application online or Mail Completed Application Packet to:

Sheila Pendse, Program Director

University of Maine at Orono

5796 AMC Building, Room 201

Orono, Maine 04469

 

 

 

Contact Information:

Sheila Pendse

Office: (207) 581-2225

Email: Sheila.pendse@maine.gov