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The MSTI 2009 was a great success.  Participants came from 8 Maine middle schools and some were home schooled. Both participants and their parents had great things to say about the program.

“Our son very much enjoyed the experience at the summer transportation engineering camp.  He also benefitted from the experience greatly – both during the camp and in the time since.  While he was in the camp, he described the placed he had visited, and he began to talk about things around him in ways he hadn’t before.  For example, in the past he would talk about road construction and his focus was on the people who operated the heavy equipment.  After attending the camp, he has noticed things like grade markers and other aspects of the planning and engineering that takes place behind the scenes on a construction project.  He has also started to notice other things around him in ways he hadn’t before.  On a recent fishing trip on the Penobscot River, he acted as virtual tour guide as we passed the Cianbro’s new facility in Brewer.  He amazed our other boating guests by describing how the platforms are assembled, and then transferred to the barge on the waterfront.  This is a direct result of his participation in your summer program.  At home, we have tried to apply the things he has learned to further motivate him to do his best in math, science, and his other studies.  Finally, he enjoyed the other activities planned for these students, and made several new friends as a result of the experience.”

“I wanted to let you know my son more than enjoyed MSTI this summer. He said the first day it was better than any summer camp he has ever done. He usually does sports camps. And even after two weeks he was still enjoying every minute of it. He is sad to think he won't be able to do it again next year. But he has already recruited one of his friends to try it next year. He came home every afternoon to tell me how much fun the camp was. He couldn't just pick one favorite thing that he did. He liked the field trips, classroom time with computers and especially the new friends he made. He is even keeping in touch with a few. So, I can't say enough great things about this camp neither can my son. The only problem is he can't decide with type of engineer he would like to be. But this has given him many avenues to look into.”

PLEASE WATCH FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF MSTI 2010

PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR SCHOOLS OF MSTI 2009:

MSTI 2009

The University of Maine in Orono will host the Maine Summer Transportation Institute (MSTI) 2009 for middle school students from July 13 – July 24, 2009 in the Foster Sudent Innovation Center.  The purpose of the Institute is to create awareness and stimulate interest in students to take full advantage of the opportunities that exist in the transportation industry.  The MSTI is funded by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and is opened to students attending public andprivate schools in the Greater Bangor Area.  The Institute is an extremely intense and structured learning opportunity for youth in the middle school systems of Maine.

The curriculum will expose students to new frontiers and adventures such as highway design, alternative fuels, construction materials, transportation of people and cargo, intermodalism, laws, regulations, safety, and career opportunities.  In addition, students will participate in computer training, academic enhancement activities, field trips, and student projects.

View the MSTI poster

Full Scholarship

Approximately twenty (20) sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students will receive full scholarships to participate in the two-week summer program.  Scholarships will include the following:

• Transportation
• Workshops and Handouts
• Facility Usage
• Lunch
• Equipment and Supplies
• Travel (Field Trips)
• Lab Fee
• Recreation Fees

The application form is being sent to public and private schools in the Greater Bangor area.  Guidance counselors should identify students for the Summer Transportation and assist them with completing the forms in the enclosed application package.

Notification of scholarship award will be made by the Maine Summer Transportation Institute to each of the selected students.  The following criteria will be used in the selection of scholarship recipients:

Eligibility

Students must:

• be in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2008-2009 school year.
• have an interest in Engineering, Science, Transportation, or Technology related career.
• have at least one letter of recommendation.
• provide an essay (Why student wants to participate in the MSTI and how it can assist in meeting individual career goals).
• provide grade report.

The selection team will consider students from the low income families, underrepresented ethnic background, and geographical location of applicants to ensure representation from the Greater Bangor area of the State.  Girls are encouraged to apply.

Return all applications to the Project Directors’ address below no later than May 30th, 2009.

Please call us for any questions at 581-2225 or email to sheila.pendse@umit.maine.edu.

Schedule

Dates to Remember

Institute Days: July 13 to July 24, 2009 (weekdays only)
Last Day to Apply: May 30, 2009
Selection Notices Sent: June 5, 2009
Parents Meeting: June 24, 2009
Parents Luncheon: July 24, 2009, Noon

Apply

Downloadable Application Form (PDF)

Transportation Faculty

Philip Dunn, PE
Assistant Professor
School of Engineering Technology
Construction Management Technology
5711 Boardman Hall Room 119
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469-5711
sheila.pendse@umit.maine.edu
207-581-2326
207-581-2113 (Fax)

Contact Information

Sheila Pendse
Project Development Associate
College of Engineering, Dean's Office
5796 AMC Building, Room 201
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
sheila.pendse@umit.maine.edu
207-581-2225
207-581-2220 (Fax)

Links

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/civilrights/nsti.htm