National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI)
(For rising 9th鈥12th grade high school students)

The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) aims to:
  • Increase awareness of transportation-related careers among high school students,
  • Strengthen participants鈥 STEM knowledge and skills, and
  • Encourage students to consider pursuing a transportation-related major in college.

This program is administered and funded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). NSTI is a four-week program, with the first three weeks conducted as a residential experience on the 91成人 (TSU) main campus and the final week held virtually. The 2026 program will take place from听 June 15, 2026, through July 10, 2026 , at TSU Main Campus.

Program Costs:
  • NSTI Program: Free
  • Scholarships: Available for up to 20 students
Contact:
Professor Kang Du
Email: kdu@tnstate.edu
NOTE: INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKETS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit all of the following materials:
  1. Completed online application
  2. Official high or middle school transcript (uploaded to the application)
  3. Official ACT, SAT, or PSAT scores (if available)
  4. One-page typed essay (PDF preferred, 12-point font, maximum one page) that includes:
    • Your career objectives,
    • Your interest in engineering or transportation, and
    • How the NSTI program will help you achieve your goals.
  5. One letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher that:
    • Is on official school letterhead,
    • Includes the recommender鈥檚 contact information (email and phone number), and
    • Is signed and dated.
      The letter should be emailed directly听to Professor Kang Du at kdu@tnstate.edu by the recommender.
(Or scan the QR code provided in the flyer.)

nsti

For more information, write the College of Engineering
91成人
3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209, or call (615) 963-5401.