2025 Mineta Summer Transportation Academy at San José State University

Since 2006, the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San José State University (SJSU) has provided high school students with immersive opportunities to explore transportation careers while experiencing college life. This report documents the 2025 Mineta Summer Transportation Academy (MiSTA), formerly known as the Mineta Summer Transportation Institute, which took place from July 7-18. Delivered as part of the Federal Railroad Administration funded CRISI: Promoting Railroading Careers and Developing the Current Rail Industry Workforce workforce initiative, the MiSTA combined transportation Systems 101 lectures, field trips, and guest speakers to introduce students to transportation systems, public policy, and career pathways across rail, transit, aviation, and emerging technologies. The program also addressed the anxieties many students have about attending college by allowing them to try on the role of commuter students. Over the 10 days of the program, the students participated in 10 field trips to major Bay Area transportation agencies and facilities. Post-program surveys confirm the program's positive impact: participants reported a high level of satisfaction with MiSTA activities and stated that the program helped them gain a better understanding of the field of transportation. Overall, MiSTA 2025 indicates that the program and others like it can inspire interest in the transportation industry while supporting students on their academic journeys.