SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Back by popular demand, the California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) is proud to launch the 2nd Annual “Rail Innovation in Action,” a free online, interactive program designed for high school students interested in real-world problem solving and learning about the future of railroads. Supported by the California State Railroad Museum Foundation and working in partnership with Lemelson-MIT (LMIT), a national leader in advancing invention education, this year’s virtual program will center on community impact.
“For our pilot effort last year, I was very impressed with the level of sophistication of thought and incredible potential of the participating high school students,” said Dr. Ty Smith, Museum Director of the California State Railroad Museum. “About half of the students were railroad or train enthusiasts and the other half were motivated to learn more about STEM and STEAM applications. All were focused on the collective problem-solving process and the future of innovation and possibility. I am energized to continue this educational program that provides a unique opportunity to foster minds that could one day change transportation – and the world – in ways we have not yet even imagined.”
Students will have the opportunity to engage with guest experts in the modern rail industry, work on activities and group exercises, and participate in career talks. Prior railroading experience is not required to participate, simply a sense of curiosity and desire to gain knowledge, acquire new skills, and learn how to work collaboratively to problem solve.
“Thanks to the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, we will be offering Rail Innovation in Action again in fall 2025,” said Stephanie Couch, Executive Director of the Lemelson-MIT Center. “High school students are already contacting us to see if they can participate. America has some catching up to do when we compare ourselves to other countries. The young inventors we serve are the next generation of creative problem solvers, and they are eager to take us forward.”
The “Rail Innovation in Action” program will be open to students who be in grades 9th-12th during the 2025-2026 school year. The course will take over eight consecutive Saturdays starting on October 18 to December 13, 2025 (except for Thanksgiving weekend). Applications are open now through June 15 for priority consideration with a final deadline of September 22. The free and accessible online program is open to high school students of all backgrounds and interests who are based locally, regionally, or nationwide. At the conclusion of the interactive course, participants will receive a certificate of completion plus develop research and invention skills that are transferable to college and future career endeavors.
To apply or find our more information about the new “Rail Innovation in Action” program, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum/education/rail-innovation-in-action. And, for more information about the California State Railroad Museum or Foundation, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum.
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About The Lemelson-MIT Program
The Lemelson-MIT Program is a national leader in efforts to prepare the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. Our work focuses on the expansion of opportunities for people to learn ways inventors find and solve problems that matter to improve lives. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion aims to remedy historic inequities among those who develop inventions, protect their intellectual property, and commercialize their creations.
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About the California State Railroad Museum Foundation
The mission of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation (CSRMF) is to generate revenue and awareness on behalf of its destinations, while supporting the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of our railroad heritage. The Foundation provides funding for ongoing support of numerous programs, both at the museum's Old Sacramento location and at the historic park in Jamestown, Calif. For more information, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum.