High school students invited to apply through April 24

The Missouri Department of Transportation is helping build future leaders by encouraging youth to explore careers at MoDOT. The department invites students across Missouri to apply for the 2026 Youth Transportation Conference (YTC) in Jefferson City. Each year, MoDOT sponsors this event to give students the opportunity to apply STEM concepts learned in school to real-world transportation challenges.

The conference will be held on July 6-10 on the campus of Lincoln University and is free to students in grades 9-12. Students finishing 8th grade this school year and graduating seniors are also eligible to apply. Applications are currently being accepted through April 24, and up to 40 students will be selected to participate.

The academic conference curriculum includes sessions on bridge building, bridge design, construction and materials, public administration and safety. Other activities include field trips, office/site tours and speakers from various divisions within MoDOT and related organizations. The conference also allows students to experience the numerous careers in transportation and engineering available at MoDOT, while making meaningful connections with department staff as they consider their future career path.

To apply, students must complete an application accompanied by one letter of recommendation. Interested students can find more information and download the application from the conference website: modot.org/modot-youth-transportation-conference-ytc.