Are Summer Institutes Funded By FHWA And State Departments Of Transportation Effective? Case Studies Of Evaluation And Learning Strategies

Abstract

For the last three years Delaware State University (DSU) and the University of Vermont (UVM) have implemented a new approach to a summer program or "Institute" that emphasizes evaluation and accountability. Beginning in 2005, both institutes changed the focus of their programs to fulfill not only the primary objectives of instilling inquiry and project-based learning in the field of transportation but to incorporate rigorous evaluation criteria. If goals are very narrowly defined, that is, counting the number of students entering a career in transportation, then there are limitations. Students in the 9th through 12th grades are still experimenting with different career paths. Summer programs like the Summer Transportation Institute enable students to get to post-secondary education. Evaluation is necessary to ensure that funds are spent effectively but success should be measured on several fronts.