Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI)

Tracks to the Future

Tracks to the Future (T2F) is a Summer Youth Program Engineering Pathway on rail and intermodal transportation.

Come and learn why railroads remain the most energy-efficient mode of transportation. Uncover what forms modern railroad track, explore equipment from around the globe and analyze communications/control systems.

Program Details

  • Open to all high school students (completing grades 9-11 in the 2024-25 academic year)
  • Full week on-campus exploration
  • Field visits to rail facilities
  • Build your own piece of railroad track
  • Full Scholarships available

T2F 2025 will be a fully in-person experience on the campus of Michigan Tech June 22-27, 2025. 

Sponsors

US DOT Federal Railroad Admin logo

MTTI Rail Transportation Logo

 

Thank you to all that participated in the Summer 2024 Tracks to the Future Summer Youth Program.

Events

Open to High School Students

This summer event is open to high school students.

Hybrid activities include virtual classrooms, travel to host Universities, and engaging in activities like field visits at the host University.

Students learn that railroads are the high-tech and environmentally sensitive transportation mode. Railroads remain the most energy-efficient mode of transportation. Participants engage with faculty at Universities from across the country to uncover what forms modern railroad track, explore equipment from around the globe, and analyze communication and control systems.

Tracks to the Future is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration.

Map illustration of the US with colored states described in the caption.
Students from many states in the Great Lakes, New England, South, West Coast, and Texas regions participated in 2023.

US Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration

Past Programs

Railroad Transportation and Engineering, Railroad and Intermodal Transportation

Large group outside visiting Norfolk Southern engine.
Large group attending California State University Fresno summer program.
Group of males outside near an older engine.
Small group of students in high visibility gear outside in a rail yard.