Four high school students from communities across Nebraska spent three days at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln exploring the world of rail transportation through the Nebraska Transportation Center’s (NTC) Tracks to the Future program. The summer program introduced students to the engineering, operations, and technology that keep one of the nation's most important transportation systems moving.
Rail transportation plays a critical role in transporting goods and connecting communities across the United States. As one of the most energy-efficient transportation modes, rail helps move large volumes of freight while reducing fuel consumption and transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Through Tracks to the Future, students learned why rail continues to be an essential part of a sustainable transportation network and how engineers, planners, and industry professionals work together to operate modern railroad systems.
During the three-day camp, students participated in interactive lessons and hands-on activities led by university faculty and industry partners. Program sessions explored emerging technologies in railroading, rail operations, transportation planning, and the many career pathways available within the rail industry. Students also took part in team-based activities that challenged them to think like transportation professionals and solve real-world rail transportation problems.
A highlight of the program was the opportunity to visit working railroad facilities and learn directly from industry experts. Students toured an active BNSF railyard, gaining firsthand insight into railroad operations and safety practices. Additional visits and activities with industry partners provided students with a behind-the-scenes look at how rail infrastructure is designed, maintained, and operated. Throughout the week, students met professionals from organizations including BNSF Railway, Union Pacific, Olsson, HDR, Benesch, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, and the Federal Railroad Administration.
The program also included a networking dinner where students connected with transportation professionals and learned about educational and career opportunities in engineering and transportation. By interacting with industry leaders and university faculty, students gained a better understanding of how rail transportation impacts daily life and the variety of career paths within the industry.
The Nebraska Transportation Center extends its sincere appreciation to our industry and academic partners whose support made the 2026 Tracks to the Future program a tremendous success. We are grateful to HDR, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, GFT, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), UNL’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Olsson for sharing their time, expertise, facilities, and enthusiasm with our students.
