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 2025-26 academic year)
  • Full week on-campus exploration
  • Field visits to rail facilities
  • Build your own piece of railroad track
  • Full Scholarships available

T2F 2026 will be a fully in-person experience on the campus of Michigan Tech the week of June 21-26, 2026

Sponsors

US DOT Federal Railroad Admin logo

MTTI Rail Transportation Logo

 

Additional T2F Available!

Applications are currently open, and space is available for Tracks to the Future, a no-cost high school outreach program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln focused on railroad transportation, engineering, hands-on activities, and career pathways in the rail industry. The program will take place June 24–26, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and more information and application details are available here: https://ntc.unl.edu/programs/tracks-future/2026-tracks-future/

Thank you to all that participated in the Summer 2025 Tracks to the Future Summer Youth Program.

Open to High School Students

This summer event is open to high school students.

This year's T2F is at Michigan Tech University, where engaging activities like field visits will take place. Students will 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.