Mineta Summer Transportation Academy (MiSTA)

The Mineta Summer Transportation Academy (formerly known as the Mineta Summer Transportation Institute) invites Bay Area high school students (grades 9-12) to learn about transportation careers in a free, three-week on-campus session at San Jose State University. Regardless of their initial interest in transportation, students will be excited about getting an inside look at businesses impacting the day-to-day activities of hundreds of thousands of people. A series of comprehensive, fun projects, academic lectures, and eye-opening field trips to local business and transit agencies exposes students to the principles of transportation systems. An introduction to university life and key concepts related to transportation development, construction, business management, technology, intermodal systems, and environmental impact encourages students to pursue college degrees that prepare them for transportation careers.

Student Requirements

Good academic standing (2.0 or better)
Completed Algebra 1 and (Freshman) Science 1
Completed application form. Check out the Application Guide for more information on how to apply.
Letter/email of recommendation (letters can come from teachers, advisors, mentors, coaches, etc.). Here's a sample of a letter of recommendation.

Past Program Reports

Mineta Summer Transportation Academy (MiSTA) 2025

MTI's 2025 MiSTA will be held weekdays, July 7-25, 2025, M-F 9am-3pm* at San José State University. While engaging in stimulating hands-on STEM activities and venturing on exciting local field trips, students will learn about transportation innovation. This program is completely free and open to high school students.

*On specific occasions and with notice students may be required to arrive earlier or may be released later due to field trip travel constraints.

For more information about MiSTA, please contact Alverina Weinardy.

Check out the Application Guide for more information on how to apply.

2023 Calendar of Activities | 2023 ENVS 1 Syllabus

2024 Calendar of Activities | 2024 ENVS 1 Syllabus

MTI News Special Feature: 2024 Mineta Summer Transportation Institute

Important Dates* *Tentative dates subject to change with notification
March 17, 2025	Program application opens at 12:00PM (PT)
May 16, 2025	Program application deadline at 11:59PM (PT)
May 16, 2025	Recommendation letters due (Example letter). Please submit to Alverina Weinardy via email (alverina.weinardy@sjsu.edu). *Recommendation letters must be submitted by the teacher. If a student applicant is submitting the letter, it must bear the teacher's wet signature or digitally verified signature.
June 9-13, 2025	Admittance decision

Past Institute Videos and Testimonials
2024 Video

2023 Video of California High-Speed Rail Construction Tour		2023 Video

2022 Video of California High-Speed Rail Construction Tour		2022 Video

2019 Video		2018 Video


SJSU Feature Story on 2022 MSTI President Papazian's Blog on 2019 MSTI Parent Testimonials