Norman Mineta High School Summer Academy
The Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy is a paid program that introduces Bay Area high school students to public sector career pathways through exposure to regional policy issues such as transportation planning, housing, environmental justice and air quality management through interactive sessions with partner agencies.
Named for Bay Area transportation giant Norman Y. Mineta, the Bay Area Summer Academy offers high school students a paid learning opportunity from four of the Bay Area’s regional government agencies: the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) and the Bay Area Air District (Air District).
Over the course of four weeks, high school students receive a stipend to attend expert-led seminars and learn how regional agencies deal with issues like environmental justice, housing and transportation equity, community health and social justice.
Interactive sessions allow students to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of how public agencies work to improve people’s lives.MTC, ABAG, BCDC and the Air District address key issues, and how the public – including students – can help advance equity across the Bay Area.
During weekly, mostly online seminars, students learn:
- What regional agencies do, and the skills needed for a future career in the public sector.
- How to weigh in on decisions that impact the air we breathe, the neighborhoods we live in, how we get to work and school, spaces for exercise, and other factors that shape the health of our communities.
- How to have a voice in making decisions that benefit their communities.
- How to answer questions like: How long is a bridge supposed to last? Why are there so many potholes? Why does housing cost so much? Is the sea level really rising in the Bay Area?
Students attend online sessions, complete quizzes, and at the end of the program, make a brief presentation on a local challenge involving transportation, housing, environmental justice and/or related topics.
Upon completion of the Bay Area Summer Academy, students receive a certificate to include in college, vocational and/or job applications.
2025 Program Schedule
Applications will be open in the spring. The first session of the program will be held in early July over Zoom, with a final in-person capstone event taking place in San Francisco. The program’s seminars will be held mostly online over the course of four weeks to lower barriers to student participation. Students who complete the entire program will be given a stipend and a completion certificate that can be used for college applications and career pursuits.
Applicant Qualifications
- Must live in the Bay Area and attend a local high school.
- Must be at least 15 years old and have completed the ninth grade by the beginning of the Academy.
- Must be able to attend online seminars and present on a topic related to the seminars.
- If the student is under 18, must have the permission of a parent or guardian to participate.
Student participants come from across the Bay Area, with a focus on young people who might not otherwise consider a public sector career. Students of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Grade point averages are not considered.
Participating Agencies
Participating agencies include the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Bay Area Air District and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission.
Staff Contact
Phone: 415-778-5207
Email: InternCoordinator@bayareametro.gov
Norman Mineta dedicated his life to public service: as San Jose City Council member and mayor, representing the South Bay in Congress, and serving as the Secretary of Transportation. Throughout his accomplished life, he cared deeply about creating educational and career avenues for the next generation of public servants. MTC is proud to name the Bay Area Summer Academy after Secretary Mineta, honoring his memory by inspiring youth to become public servants.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is an equal-opportunity, non-discriminatory employer. MTC provides all employees and applicants with an equal opportunity in every aspect of the employment experience regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical handicap, medical condition or marital status.