The Connecticut Summer Transportation Institute (CSTI) is a hands-on, engaging program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to learn about careers in transportation engineering. VHB co-sponsored the two-week program and gave students a tour of our Wethersfield office to offer them a first-hand look at daily life as an engineer.
Co-presented by Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the CSTI features interactive labs, field trips, SAT preparation, and a graduation ceremony—all aimed at providing a fun and inspiring way for students to learn about land, air, and water transportation.
Director of Transportation Systems Joe Balskus organized the office tour and arranged for several team members to give brief presentations on their background, including how and why they chose a career in civil engineering. Connecticut Managing Director John Hapkiewicz, Director of Transportation Engineering Steve O'Neill, Transportation Engineer/Planner Nick Campbell, Traffic Analyst Andre Singer, Transportation Designer Priscilla Sawyer, Project Engineer Eric Nigosanti, Structural Designer Shannon Geary, Transportation Intern Lindsay O'Neill, and Connecticut Director of Transit & Rail Tony Sardilli all presented to the students.
“VHB is proud to be a participating sponsor of this inspiring program,” said Joe. “Motivating the next generation of engineers has always been a priority for us, as the future in engineering continues to be a top career field for students.”
Earlier in the summer, CTDOT invited Joe to participate in the University of Hartford’s Transportation and Civil Engineering Summer Camp, a summer engineering program for high school students. With field trips, professional guidance, and hands-on projects, this dynamic, week-long program inspires and prepares high school students with the skills and confidence to explore future careers in transportation and civil engineering.
Joe was asked to be the distinguished guest speaker at the program’s graduation ceremony, speaking after CTDOT Commissioner and Keynote Speaker Garrett Eucalitto. Joe’s speech touched on his career path, the significance of civil engineering, and project highlights to inspire students to pursue civil or transportation engineering.
Learn how VHB also provides students with internship and co-op opportunities for hands-on learning.
