2026NSTI

2026 MTSU NSTI Program

Free 4-Week Residential Summer Program for Rising 9th–12th Graders

Questions can be directed to the Program Director, Dr. Lei Miao: lei.miao@mtsu.edu .

Apply Now

Discover Transportation Careers & Build Real STEM Skills

Are you a high school student excited about autonomous vehicles, drone technology, traffic system simulation, experimental vehicles, and the future of transportation? Join MTSU’s National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) — a free, federally funded residential program designed to:

  • Introduce real-world transportation careers
  • Boost your STEM knowledge through hands-on projects
  • Inspire you to pursue engineering, technology, or transportation-related majors in college
  • Fun field trips to transportation agencies, museums, airports, and more

Program Details – 2026

Dates: July 6–31, 2026 (residential — stay on campus Monday morning through Friday afternoon)

Who it’s for: Rising 9th–12th graders

Cost: FREE (includes housing and meals — funded by FHWA/TDOT)

Location: Applied Engineering Building, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN

Focus areas: Autonomous systems, computer programming, drones, traffic simulation, experimental vehicles, hands-on STEM activities

Past Participants in Action – 2024 & 2025 Highlights

Ready to Join?

Spots are limited — apply today and take the first step toward a future in transportation innovation!

Apply Now