Workforce Development

MCEEST partners offer transportation-related workforce development programs for all age groups, including K-12 as well as professionals. 

K-12 Workforce Development Initiatives: 

Elementary Lesson Plans

As one of the fundamental pillars of the transportation industry, workforce development is a critical component in creating and sustaining a connected world. In partnership with elementary teachers and students, MTI offers a STEM transportation unit that introduces 1st-6th graders to the basics of how people and goods are moved. These lesson plans are free to use, and MTI welcomes the opportunity to hear feedback or discuss potential partnerships from other educators. In these lessons, students learn about active modes of transportation, sustainability issues, transportation planning, and more.

Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition (Middle School)

Since 2001, MTI has proudly hosted the nationwide Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition for middle school students. Students learn about sustainable transportation through a wide range of STEAM-focused activities, and each competing student team develops an idea for a sustainable transportation project that the team then presents to a panel of transportation professionals.

Essay Contest

The Mineta Transportation Institute Essay Contest invites students grades 6-12 to propose and explore a solution to a problem centered around a specific theme each year under one or more of the following principles of transportation: sustainability, equity, safety, community, and innovation.

Summer Transportation Institute

The Mineta Summer Transportation Institute is a free, three-week program that exposes high school students to careers in transportation and tech while they earn three, transferable college credits in Environmental Studies. Students come away understanding college and career opportunities in the transportation industry through hands-on experiences, challenging college coursework, and partnerships with local industry leaders, like California High-Speed Rail Authority, HNTB, San José Department of Transportation, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and many others. 

Summer STEM & Skills

NTU’s signature MCEEST program is the Summer STEM & Skills Dual Credit program. This program introduces Navajo Nation high school students to transportation careers and key technical skills through STEM-focused diverse subjects, such as welding, construction, business and entrepreneurship, culinary arts, computer programming, and engineering. Students enrolled in the program experience college life for five weeks either as a commuter or resident student. Students also participate in project-based learning activities and a series of academic lectures from professors, visiting scholars, and program alumni.

Professional Development Programs: 

Mineta Leadership Academy

The Mineta Leadership Academy is devoted to developing exceptional public sector leaders to serve the transportation industry. The Academy provides individuals in mid-level to senior management positions with opportunities to improve leadership skills, enhance their leadership competencies, and work with peers and mentors in the transportation industry. Following the example of our founder and namesake U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, the Academy cultivates leadership excellence in a diverse group of professionals who are committed to building and maintaining a world-class transportation system in an environment that is constantly changing.