The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) is a fun, interactive two-week residential program for high school students held at the University of Vermont. The Institute is sponsored by the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the University of Vermont, and is funded through a grant from the Federal Highway Administration.

The program introduces students to transportation careers and the dynamic field of transportation cutting across all modes and fields. Students have the opportunity to explore careers in aviation, highway, maritime and transit through engineering, project management, operations and logistics perspectives. They examine how the system is designed, built and maintained through field trips, interactive labs and activities presented by guest speakers and trained professionals in the field in highly interactive and experiential settings. Classes in Math, English, History, Science, and even SAT prep are built around how they relate to the transportation field.

The NSTI is about making real connections for students between their interests and their future careers. In 2012 we were honored to have Warren S. Whitlock, the Associate Administrator for Civil Rights at FHWA, attend the final day of the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI). He facilitated a discussion for the 22 high schools students who were completing their two weeks of experiential education in transportation systems and careers, and provided closing comments on career options and opportunities after the students presented their final projects. (Read more here)

The NSTI is open to students who are entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade and are under the age of 18. Students are provided room and board and will stay on the UVM Vermont campus residence in dormitories supervised 24/7 by trained counselors and staff.

The Vermont National Summer Transportation Institute provides an active experiential opportunity for interested high school students to explore transportation careers

If you are interested in participating next summer, look for information on the “NSTI Vermont” Facebook Page. For more information contact Colleen Montague at the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

• - A two week residential camp for high school students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
  - Held on the UVM campus each summer.
  - A hands-on exploration of our transportation systems.
  - Exploring career opportunities and developing new skills.
  - Learning in the classroom, in group settings, the lab, and on field trips.
  - Field trips have included the Burlington Airport, a trip on an Amtrak train, the Vermont Statehouse and Agency of Transportation Headquarters, Bridge Construction sites, and a historic boat trip on Lake Champlain.