2026 Impacts Report: An Enduring Legacy of Research, Education, and Engagement

Performance Measures: Champion Knowledge Transfer and Education

CTS annually gathers performance measures data to quantify our impacts in effecting changes that improve transportation. Below, key measures from FY26 showcase our work related to one of CTS's three Areas of Excellence: Champion Knowledge Transfer and Education.

Professional Education and Student Engagement Funding

FY26 once again exceeded our target funding and had steady funding from previous years. Several multi-year contracts came to a close at the end of the fiscal year and were renewed for FY27 with increased funding for additional programming. MnDOT on-demand training remained strong, expanding with an additional course in FY26. CTS also added the administration of the Minnesota Fall Expo in Shakopee, Minnesota, to our existing customized training program.

FY26 Analysis

CTS continues to increase its outreach efforts to undergraduate students by providing new workforce development opportunities. In FY26, this included a new undergraduate mentorship pilot program targeted to young engineering students and local agencies. MnLTAP is growing the Roads Scholars Program, increasing course offerings and adding a second level Civil Technician certificate. MnLTAP also received funding to host additional commercial driver's license train-the-trainer sessions, building on last year’s successful pilot course and providing training to over 60 different agencies and companies. MnLTAP and AirTAP continue to monitor the funding landscape of both federal and state sources and will seek any additional funding opportunities available.

FY27 Outlook

Looking ahead to the next fiscal year, CTS will continue to develop workforce development opportunities. This will include mentorship, training, and outreach programs for K-12 students, undergraduates, and graduate students at the University delivered on campus, at existing MnLTAP events, and during internships. MnLTAP will continue to grow the Roads Scholar Program, adding a third level Civil Technician certificate and additional classes. The Work-Zone Temporary Traffic Control training will continue to grow with the MnDOT Field Manual release. AirTAP will spend the year working with MnDOT Aeronautics determining the future direction and trainings to be offered by the program.

Featured Measures

CTS saw a significant increase in the number of students engaging in research projects in FY26. This number includes University of Minnesota students engaged in research projects with CTS-affiliated faculty and staff. The largest participation change can be attributed to doctoral students in civil engineering and computer science. It is probable that these increases are due to a few large grants secured by these departments in FY25.

In FY26, CTS elected not to participate in a large K-12 event hosted by a local children’s STEM museum. Instead, CTS channeled efforts into activities with more direct engagement with older students. By hosting the National Transportation Summer Institute, Connected and Automated Vehicles Camp, and the Aviation High School Career Forum, CTS had the opportunity to connect with students who are closer to selecting their future career pathways. Although the number of participants is not increasing year over year, the quality of student engagement has been much higher.