Pacific Summer Transportation Education Program by University of Hawaiʻi now accepting applications

June 7, 2026 - 12:31

The University of Hawaii is now accepting applications for its Pacific Summer Transportation Education Program, a unique opportunity designed to introduce high school students to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Rather than a standard classroom approach, the program uses urban and regional planning as a practical lens to teach these STEM skills. Organizers hope the experience will not only spark academic curiosity but also guide students toward higher education and potential careers in the transportation industry.

Participants will engage in hands-on activities that explore how communities are designed and how people and goods move within them. The goal is to show students how math and science apply to real-world problems like traffic flow, infrastructure development, and sustainable city planning. By framing STEM concepts through the context of transportation, the program aims to make these subjects more accessible and relevant.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to build a future workforce skilled in solving complex mobility challenges. Students who complete the program may gain a clearer path toward college majors in engineering, environmental science, or urban studies. Applications are currently open, and officials encourage interested teens to apply early, as spaces are limited.