Youth On TRAC For A Career In Transportation

A lot of emphasis is being placed these days on how Missouri should better educate and prepare our students for careers in math, science, engineering and technology. But did you know that many MoDOT volunteers are already playing an important role in generating interest in these types of vocations among our young people?

Known simply as Transportation and Civil Engineering or TRAC program, MoDOT volunteers and local schools are working together to introduce students to engineers and other transportation professionals who use math and science principles to build and maintain our nation’s transportation systems. Under the guidance of a teacher and the assistance of TRAC volunteers, students use science and math principles to solve real-world problems. This educational program is sponsored nationwide by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  

One component of Missouri’s TRAC program is its annual TRAC Summer Camp. The camp will take place July 25-28 on the Lincoln University campus. The three-day camp is designed to introduce incoming 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students to the exciting field of civil engineering. Students will be housed in dormitories at Lincoln University and participate in activities related to bridge design and testing, mathematics, and city planning. This year’s camp participants will also tour and participate in hands-on activities at the University of Missouri Columbia’s Civil Engineering Department. There are a limited number of slots available and the selection of successful applicants is based on the conference application and essay.

New TRAC volunteers are needed to assist with planning and facilitating activities for the 2006-2007 school year. Activities range from building bridges with elementary school children to facilitating a math competition during the annual TRAC summer camp. For more information, contact David Williams, Equal Opportunity Division, at 573-751-1409 or David.Williams@modot.mo.gov.