Youth Leadership Program

From February to March 2025, 20 high school students participated in the first Youth Leadership Program centered around Rethinking I-94.

The program provided high school students in grades 10-11 the opportunity to explore topics such as leadership, research, community engagement, as well as career and job opportunities in the transportation field.

Participating students also dove into the real world of transportation planning, environmental review, design and engineering, highway construction and maintenance, and community engagement.

Through this program students received:

• An inside scoop on the I-94 corridor and MnDOT’s Rethinking I-94 process
• Presentations from experts in the field
• A field trip/tour of a MnDOT maintenance and truck facility
• Experience completing self-selected independent research
• An opportunity to present their research to MnDOT leadership, family and friends
• Reimbursement for their time and participation
• A great experience to add to their resume or college application

The Youth Leadership Program pilot was very successful and we hope to hold another round of the program 2026. Sign up for Rethinking I-94 email updates to learn about future opportunities.

Contact

For more information and questions call, text or email:

Renee Raduenz
651-666-7229
Renee.Raduenz@state.mn.us