ITS America and SwRI Launch Future Leaders Program

Essay competitions, scholarships, and presentation opportunities inspire next generation of transportation leaders

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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ITS America Conference & Expo has partnered with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to launch the 2026 Future Leaders Program, which will inspire K-12 and college students through essay competitions, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to present transportation solutions at the ITS America Conference & Expo in Detroit from June 9-12, 2026.

Why it matters

The Future Leaders Program represents ITS America's commitment to investing in the next generation of transportation technology leaders and empowering innovation through hands-on learning experiences that will transform how people and goods move safely and efficiently across communities.

The details

Students can participate in multiple essay competitions, including the Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE) contest for high school students and an AI-in-transportation competition sponsored by SwRI for college students and young professionals. Winners will receive scholarships and the opportunity to present their solutions at the Future Leaders Program during the ITS America Conference & Expo. The program also offers workshops, career development sessions, and exposure to emerging roles in transportation technology for students of all levels.

  • The PAVE essay contest for high school students has a submission deadline of February 28, 2026.
  • The SwRI-sponsored AI-in-transportation essay contest for college students and young professionals has a submission deadline of April 1, 2026.
  • The ITS America Conference & Expo, including the Future Leaders Program, will take place from June 9-12, 2026 in Detroit.

The players

ITS America

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America, which advances the research and deployment of intelligent transportation technologies to save lives, improve mobility, and increase efficiency and productivity.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

An independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization that has been working in the ITS industry for over 28 years, developing advanced transportation management systems, integrated corridor management systems, data exchanges, automated vehicles, and connected vehicle systems.

Laura Chace

President and CEO of ITS America.

Josh Johnson

Executive Director of SwRI's Intelligent Transportation Systems Department.

RX Global

A global leader in events and exhibitions that is organizing the ITS America Conference & Expo in partnership with ITS America.

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What they’re saying

“The Future Leaders Program represents our commitment to investing in the next generation of transportation technology leaders.”

— Laura Chace, President and CEO, ITS America (EINPresswire.com)

“SwRI's partnership creates meaningful opportunities for students to showcase innovative transportation solutions.”

— Josh Johnson, Executive Director of SwRI's Intelligent Transportation Systems Department (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

The PAVE essay contest winners will be announced in early March 2026, and the SwRI-sponsored AI-in-transportation essay contest winners will be announced in late April 2026. The Future Leaders Program will take place during the ITS America Conference & Expo in Detroit from June 9-12, 2026.

The takeaway

The Future Leaders Program demonstrates ITS America's commitment to investing in the next generation of transportation technology leaders and empowering innovation through hands-on learning experiences that will shape the future of mobility across communities.