The annual National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) 4-H camp for students entering sixth through eighth grades is accepting applications for the June 13-24 camp hosted by West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service.  During the free day camp at the University’s Institute campus, students connect their passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with planes, trains, automobiles and other modes of transportation.

“From hands-on STEM experiments to field trips throughout the region, the NSTI camp provides participants a variety of educational and fun opportunities to explore careers in transportation,” 4-H Extension Agent Jaime Adkins said, noting that one in seven jobs in the United States is in the transportation industry.

Students who enjoy solving problems and who excel in science and math may be well suited for a career in transportation, Adkins said. Participants will hear from industry leaders in water, air, rail and highway transportation and conduct hands-on engineering experiments that show the science of transportation in action.

Additionally, youth will visit locations to see firsthand what a career in transportation involves. While site locations are still being finalized for this year, past camps have included visits to railroads, dams, airports and bridge construction sites. Educational opportunities are supplemented with recreation activities that promote healthy living.

The day camp will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required and space is limited. For an application, visit wvstateu.edu/summer or contact Jaime Adkins at jadkins24@wvstateu.edu.

WVSU Extension Service partners with the West Virginia Division of Transportation and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Federal Highways Administration to host NSTI.