In an effort to support the development of a diverse, well-qualified workforce for the 21st century transportation industry, the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) Program serves to increase awareness and stimulate interest in transportation to middle and high school students. NSTI is a two-to-four-week Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) - focused program that exposes students to the transportation and encourages them to pursue transportation-related courses of study at the college and university level.

Institutions of higher education host students to introduce them to all modes of transportation. Accredited colleges and universities are selected as host sites upon application to MDT, which provides oversight along with program support and guidance from the FHWA Division Office.

A successful NSTI requires a cooperative effort among Federal, State and local transportation agencies, community-based organizations (CBOs), educational institutions and the private sector.

The NSTI is typically implemented over a two to four-week period and must have a minimum of 15 participants from across the state. The curriculum must be STEM focused. The Host Site shall determine if the NSTI will be either a residential or a non-residential program with middle or high school participants. For more details, please see the NSTI Program Overview below.

NSTI Program Objectives:

  • Improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills,
  • Provide awareness to middle and high school students – particularly minority, female, and disadvantaged youth – about transportation careers,
  • Encourage students to consider transportation-related courses of study in their higher education pursuits.

Grant Funding Solicitation Information

The Montana Department of Transportation is not currently accepting applications.

Grant Funding is typically allocated on an annual basis and is utilized to address the needs of a diverse workforce and promote greater awareness of career opportunities within the transportation industry.

Notice of grant funding availability is emailed to qualified recipients only. Qualified recipients include Montana Accredited academic institutions. The distribution list is based on the current Montana University System Directory.

If you work for a qualified recipient and would like to receive notification of this funding opportunity, contact us via email.

Grant Application Materials

NSTI Program Overview
NSTI Application Form
NSTI Budget Tables

Applications must include the application and budget tables listed on this page. Prior versions cannot be accepted.

  • Statement of Work (SOW) Application document (not to exceed 10 pages)
    1. Section A: Program Information
    2. Section B: Program Overview
    3. Section C: Program Administration
  • Budget Tables A-E
  • A copy of your ICAP or indirect cost approved rate documentation.
  • A copy of approved Fringe Benefit / Employee Benefit Contribution Rates.

Prior Year Partnership Examples

The Western Transportation Institute (WTI) at Montana State University

Camp participants explore a variety of science, engineering, and design topics related to promoting active, safe, and sustainable transportation systems.

University of Montana

The NSTI program at the University of Montana is part of the Montana American Indians in Math and Science (MT AIMS) Pathways Program. This is a residential program with project-based programming focused on a transportation challenge that students will work in teams putting together. Included are classes in math, science, and writing to augment academic year learning as well as assistance on their projects.

For more information on the program from 2009 to 2016, visit MDT's Research Page.

Helpful Links

FHWA Center for Transportation Workforce Development (CTWD) NSTI Information
23 U.S. Code § 140
NSTI Program Desk Reference

Contact

Chris Ferguson
406-444-6945 | Email
TTY: 800-335-7592
Fax: 406-444-7243