Back To The ITS America Events Press Room

ITS America Conference & Expo and SwRI Launch Future Leaders Program

Empowering Innovation: Essay competitions and hands-on learning experiences inspire next generation of transportation leaders

  • Essay competitions for high school and college students
  • ITS America Conference & Expo June 9-12, 2026 in Detroit with $50 student registration
  • Hands-on STEM experiences and direct access to transportation industry professionals

DETROIT, Mich. (February 24, 2026) – ITS America Conference & Expo announces its partnership with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to launch the 2026 Future Leaders Program. The program inspires young minds from K-12 through college by offering essay competitions, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to present transportation solutions at the ITS America Conference & Expo, organized in partnership by RX Global and ITS America, from June 9-12, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan.

Students can participate in multiple essay competitions designed to spark creativity and innovation in transportation technology. High school students compete in the Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE), in partnership with Michigan DOT, Michigan Office Of Future Mobility & Electrification and STEER essay contest exploring automated vehicles with essays due February 28, 2026, with winners receiving scholarships.

College students and young professionals tackle artificial intelligence’s role in transportation systems through the SwRI-sponsored competition, with submissions due April 1, 2026, and winners presenting their solutions at the Future Leaders Program on June 11.

“The Future Leaders Program represents our commitment to investing in the next generation of transportation technology leaders,” said Laura Chace, President and CEO, ITS America. “By empowering innovation through programs like this, we’re building the workforce of the future that will transform how people and goods move safely and efficiently across our communities.”

The program offers exceptional learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings. Graduate and undergraduate students engage with industry experts through hands-on workshops, participate in career development sessions, and explore emerging roles in transportation technology. Square One Education Network provides K-12 students with STEM experiences through Innovative Vehicle Design projects, giving young learners exposure to autonomous and electric vehicle technologies. All student participants receive discounted $50 registration that includes full conference access, meals, and networking opportunities.

“SwRI’s partnership creates meaningful opportunities for students to showcase innovative transportation solutions,” said Josh Johnson, Executive Director of SwRI’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Department. “Through presenting at the ITS America Conference & Expo, students gain real-world experience sharing their research with transportation leaders across North America.”

The Future Leaders Program connects students with professionals shaping tomorrow’s mobility solutions through mentorship and direct industry access. Career development programming includes interactive sessions where participants discover transportation career pathways, learn professional skills, and build networks that support their educational and career goals. The comprehensive experience prepares students for future careers in engineering, technology, policy, and transportation planning.

Complete program details and registration information are available at https://www.itsamericaevents.com/expo/en-us/experiences/future-leaders-program.html.

What programs help students enter transportation careers?
ITS America Conference & Expo and Southwest Research Institute launched the 2026 Future Leaders Program to inspire students from K-12 through college. The program offers essay competitions, scholarship opportunities, and hands-on STEM experiences. Students can present transportation solutions at the conference from June 9-12, 2026, in Detroit.

Is there discounted pricing for students at transportation industry conferences?
The Future Leaders Program offers $50 student registration for the ITS America Conference & Expo, which includes full conference access, meals, and networking opportunities. High school essay contest winners also receive scholarships through the PAVE competition in partnership with Michigan DOT.

What STEM opportunities exist for K-12 students?
Square One Education Network provides K-12 students with STEM experiences through Innovative Vehicle Design projects within the Future Leaders Program. These projects give young learners exposure to autonomous and electric vehicle technologies through hands-on learning experiences.

Which companies sponsor student transportation programs?
Southwest Research Institute sponsors the college-level artificial intelligence essay competition through the Future Leaders Program. The program also partners with Michigan DOT, Michigan Office Of Future Mobility & Electrification, and STEER for high school competitions.

How do students present research at industry conferences?
College students and young professionals who win the SwRI-sponsored AI competition present their transportation solutions at the Future Leaders Program session on June 11, 2026. Winners gain real-world experience sharing research with transportation leaders across North America.

What career development resources help transportation students?
The Future Leaders Program includes career development sessions where students discover transportation career pathways and learn professional skills. Students engage with industry experts through hands-on workshops and build networks that support educational and career goals in engineering, technology, policy, and transportation planning.

How can high school students compete in transportation contests?
High school students can enter the Partners for Automated Vehicle Education essay contest exploring automated vehicles, with submissions due February 28, 2026. Winners receive scholarships and the opportunity to attend the ITS America Conference & Expo in Detroit.

What artificial intelligence opportunities exist for college students?
College students and young professionals can participate in the SwRI-sponsored essay competition focusing on artificial intelligence’s role in transportation systems. Submissions are due April 1, 2026, with winners presenting solutions at the conference.

How do transportation conferences support workforce development?
ITS America Conference & Expo creates workforce development through the Future Leaders Program by connecting students with professionals shaping mobility solutions. The program provides mentorship, direct industry access, and prepares students for careers in transportation technology and planning.

Where can students find transportation industry mentorship?
The Future Leaders Program connects students with transportation professionals through mentorship opportunities and direct industry access at the ITS America Conference & Expo. Students participate in interactive sessions and networking opportunities that support their educational and career development goals.