Category: Tracks to the Future

Support Tracks to the Future.

Tracks to the Future 2025 Wrap-Up

During the week of June 23rd, Michigan Tech proudly welcomed 23 high school students from across the nation—from Texas to Alaska and Massachusetts to California—for the Tracks to the Future Summer Youth Program. The program is generously Sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant, and it offers students a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the rail industry.

The first two days were filled with engaging on-campus activities, where students participated in hands-on learning experiences and interactive presentations. They simulated railroad operations, constructed scaled models of railroad tracks, explored the efficiencies of intermodal transportation, and discovered the advantages of railroads in long-haul, high-weight applications.

Following these enriching sessions, students embarked on a two-day field trip to Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota. Their first stop was the BNSF Superior terminal, where they toured the mechanical shop, climbed aboard various locomotives, and received an overview of terminal operations. This visit was particularly special as it brought together three generations of Tracks to the Future participants: Nicholas Stamper, a 2014 alum and currently the BNSF Terminal Trainmaster, Claire Steigelman, an MTU instructor and 2022 alumna, and the current group of 23 students.

Next, students visited Duluth Cargo Connect facilities, where they observed the seamless flow of goods through multiple transportation modes, including rail, ship, and truck. They were then hosted by Halvor Lines, where they learned about the trucking industry’s vital role in complementing rail transport and delivering goods to consumers.

On the final day of field visits, students explored the BNSF Allouez Taconite facility, witnessing the heaviest trains in the BNSF system. They learned how raw ore is mined, loaded onto trains, and transported via conveyors to ships, ultimately reaching mills for steel production. The day concluded with an exciting train ride aboard the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad in Trego, WI.

To conclude the week, students immersed themselves in local rail history at the Quincy Mine in Hancock, MI, where they learned how the rail system was essential for transporting raw copper ore to nearby mills. They had the chance to climb aboard a vintage steam locomotive, ride the cog railway, and operate a mine handcart, deepening their appreciation for the historical significance of rail transport.

Their journey continued at the Houghton County Historical Society, where they enjoyed a short train ride, marveled at a detailed model railroad display, and even operated a small gasoline-powered locomotive. After the program, one student remarked, “I feel like the Tracks to the Future program has really fueled my interest in STEM and various types of engineering,” while another stated, “The camp definitely made me more inclined to pursue an engineering career in the rail industry.” Michigan Tech extends its gratitude to BNSF Railway, Duluth Cargo Connect, Halvor Lines, Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Quincy Mine, and the Houghton County Historical Society for their generous support during the field visits, as well as to the Federal Railroad Administration for their ongoing funding of this impactful program which is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in the rail industry.

Tracks to the Future 2024: Support Student Travel

Please give by March 20, 2024.

We will be making initial selections for the campus locations during the week of March 18.

The third iteration of Tracks to the Future program registrations are rapidly progressing. This year we have 200 slots at 10 different Universities! One of our goals is to have the program available for students regardless of their financial status. FRA covers the program costs, but transportation to the host sites is not covered. Last year, 1 in every 6 students received transportation support. If you want to help the students to learn of rail transportation, below is how to provide a corporate donation that supports student travel. All donations come to Michigan Tech, who will reimburse students requesting assistance across all 10 campuses either fully or partially (depending on amount available) based on students’ actual travel expenses.

How to Support Travel

Make a Donation

Donate to the Michigan Tech Fund by March 20, 2024. Please give to the Rail Transportation Program General Support fund, which supports student travel and its administration.

How to Give

If you would like to support Tracks to the Future student travel, please select the level of contribution below. The fund designation “Rail Transportation Program General Support (CEGE)” is already selected for you. Please fill out the contact information and billing address, then select Give Now. Send email to Amanda (alkerttu@mtu.edu) to confirm your donation. Please send your company logo. Thank you in advance for supporting the next generation of railroaders.

Levels of Support

Platinum: $2,000 and up supports eight students. (Panel Discussion Slot and Logo in Materials)

Diamond: $1,000 supports four students. Brand Representation (Logo in Materials)

Gold: $500 supports two students. Brand Representation (Logo in Materials)

All companies who support are recognized on the website and in program materials.

Confirm Your Donation

Send email to Amanda (alkerttu@mtu.edu) to confirm your donation. Please send your company logo.

Print the Support Flyer

Student Action

Students submit “travel cost estimate” to Tech for approval prior to the event.

Students submit expenses for Tech reimbursement after the event.

Map of the US with several states colorized to show origin of participating students.
Students from many states in the Great Lakes, New England, South, West Coast, and Texas regions participated in 2023.