U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) awarded a $55,000 grant to Rutgers University’s Next Generation Engineers (NexGen) program to promote and support engineering education activities and research skill development for under-represented students, as well as to promote careers in transportation industries.

“Creating opportunities for transportation and engineering related education for New Jersey’s young students is an investment in our country’s future,” said Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. “This grant, through USDOT and Rutgers’ NexGen program will open new doors for young students who otherwise might have limited means to pursue secondary education and specialized career tracks.”

The Rutgers Academy for NexGen is a stimulating program designed to promote and support engineering education activities and research skill development for talented under-represented minority students.

This grant has been awarded to Rutgers as part of U.S. DOT’s National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) program. The purpose of the NSTI is to promote awareness of educational and career opportunities among disadvantaged and at-risk middle and high school students around the country.

Participation in the NSTI is free for middle or high school aged students who have an interest in learning more about the transportation industry, its various modes (e.g., highways, aviation, transit and maritime), and how they might pursue post-secondary education concentrating on some aspect of transportation and the career opportunities therein.

In addition to Federal funding, the NSTI program receives support from local sponsors such as area businesses, and from the higher education institutions serving as host sites.