Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics
Overview
The Summer Transportation Academy (STA) is an enriching educational program for rising high school juniors and seniors. Summer 2026 marks its first year under the new name, STA, funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, previously known as the Summer Transportation Institute (STI).
Since its inception in 1993, North Carolina A&T State University’s Transportation Institute (TI) has introduced hundreds of high school students to careers and academic pathways in transportation. Many participants have gone on to successful careers with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. As the oldest National Summer Transportation Institute program in the nation, N.C. A&T continues to uphold its reputation for delivering an exceptional educational experience.
Historically, the demand for professionals with managerial, technical, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills has far exceeded the supply in the transportation field—and that demand remains strong today. In response, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and N.C. A&T’s Transportation Institute remain committed to recruiting and developing the next generation of transportation leaders.
During the STA experience, students are exposed to supply chain management, various modes of transportation, and STEM-related disciplines. The program also emphasizes personal and professional development through classroom instruction, group projects, and experiential learning opportunities such as site visits and field trips.
A typical schedule includes lectures from industry professionals and faculty, interactive group projects, field trips (both local and out-of-town), SAT preparation, and personal development activities, including communication and leadership training.
Summer 2026
The 2026 Summer Transportation Academy (STA) will take place from July 12 to 26, 2026. This year, the program will be offered as a day program, allowing students to participate in daily academic and enrichment activities on campus without overnight stay. Participants will still experience many aspects of the Aggie environment, including access to campus facilities, hands-on learning, and engagement with faculty and peers. In addition, the program will include two overnight educational trips to Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, providing valuable exposure to real-world transportation systems and industries.
The program is completely free, including meals, instructional materials, and travel for all scheduled trips. While extensive planning is conducted in advance—including application review and participant selection—the program remains contingent upon final funding confirmation.
2026 APPLICATION ONLINE FORM (HERE!)
The application deadline is May 10, 2026.
Please contact Program Director Dr.Lv with any questions.
Past Institutes
- View a slideshow detailing activities and participants of the 2023 STI program here.
- View a slideshow detailing activities and participants of the 2022 STI program here.
- View a slideshow detailing activities and participants of the 2021 STI program here.
