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The University of Rhode Island's Transportation
Center offers two weekly Summer Transportation Institute sessions
to introduce middle school students to careers in the
transportation industry.
In the past, all participants have received full scholarships for
the program, including tuition, meals, transportation, 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 selects 20 students
entering grades 7-9 in the fall for each session
of this highly distinguished national program. Applicants
are 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, develop the skills and confidence
necessary to address problems and produce solutions. They
will also learn about the systems and people that support
the roadways and transportation networks in the state" noted
Jeffrey Cathcart, director of the Transportation Institute.
Institute teachers 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, and administered
by the National Summer Transportation Institute Resource
Center-(NSTI RC) at South Carolina State University, the
R.I. Department of Transportation, and the URI Transportation
Center.
For more information on the institute, contact Jeff Cathcart,
Program Director at (401) 874-9405.
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