The University of Rhode Island’s Transportation Center will host two Summer Transportation Institutes this summer to introduce middle school students to careers in the transportation industry.

 

The two-week institutes will be held July 10-21 and August 7-18. All participants will receive full scholarships for the program, including tuition, meals, transportation to the institute, and field trip expenses.

 

“We’re looking to cultivate a better understanding of the role that transportation plays in everyone’s lives,” said Richard Horn, director of the URI Transportation Center. “We want these students to develop an interest in transportation careers now so they will know what courses they should take in high school and college.”

 

The Summer Transportation Institute is seeking 20 students who will be entering grades 7-9 in the fall for each session of this highly distinguished national program. Applicants will be selected based on completion of a formal application, essay, school grades (especially in math and science), family support, and an interview.

 

“Participating students will experience the many aspects and modes of transportation, and develop the skills and confidence necessary to address problems and produce solutions," said Jeffrey Cathcart, director of the Transportation Institute. "They will also learn about the systems and people that support the roadways and transportation networks in the state.”

 

Institute teachers will include transportation industry professionals, such as bridge engineers at the R.I. Department of Transportation, and staff members from state agencies and private firms.

 

The Summer Transportation Institute is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration in cooperation with the National Summer Transportation Institute Resource Center at South Carolina State University, the R.I. Department of Transportation, and the URI Transportation Center. URI is one of 52 universities in the United States and Puerto Rico, and one of four in New England, to offer the institute in 2006.