The Privolzhsky State University of Railway Transport (PrivGUPS) has secured a significant grant from the “Movement of the First” to expand its vocational outreach program, aiming to steer a new generation of students toward careers in high-tech transport and engineering.
The funding, which exceeds 9.5 million rubles, will support the “Children’s Transport Academy,” an interregional educational project designed for students aged 7 to 18. The initiative will operate across three key Russian regions: Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, and Orenburg.
This award comes as part of a massive investment in youth development. In the fourth season of its grant competition, which opened for applications in early February 2026, the Movement of the First allocated a total of 1.4 billion rubles to support youth-led projects. Out of 3,605 applications reviewed, only 496 organizations were selected for funding.
Scaling a Proven Model
The “Children’s Transport Academy” is not a new experiment but an expansion of a successful pilot. In 2025, the university implemented the program exclusively within the Samara region, reaching approximately 2,400 students through various vocational guidance activities.
Maxim Gnatyuk, First Pro-rector of PrivGUPS, noted that the current project elevates the existing model by broadening its geographic reach and introducing interregional digital collaboration. The goal is to move beyond simple introductions to the industry and provide students with a tangible connection to modern engineering.
The strategic importance of the project was highlighted by Mark Shleenkov, the acting minister of science and higher education for the Samara region. Shleenkov described the university’s win as a result of disciplined teamwork and a necessary step for the industry, stating that the academy serves as a “trampoline” for students to consciously choose their future careers in a sector that urgently requires young, talented specialists.
Project Roadmap and Implementation
The program is structured into distinct phases to move students from general curiosity to active project development. The rollout is scheduled to begin in late 2026, focusing first on broad visibility before narrowing down to high-potential candidates.
The first phase, launching in September 2026, will consist of a series of professional exhibitions across the three target regions. At least 4,500 students are expected to participate in these events, where they will encounter the realities of various transport roles, including:
- Train drivers and engineers
- Construction and electrical specialists
- Automation, telemechanics, and digital technology experts
These exhibitions will utilize interactive platforms, mini-masterclasses, and gaming formats to make the technical aspects of the industry accessible to younger audiences.
Following the initial exhibitions, the program will shift toward deeper engagement. At least 900 of the most motivated participants will be selected for a second block of project activities in late October 2026, which will be tailored to three different age tracks.
| Phase | Timeline | Target Participants | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Exhibitions | September 2026 | 4,500+ Students | Broad professional awareness |
| Phase 2: Project Activity | October 2026 | 900+ Students | Deep-dive vocational training |
| Case Conference | TBD | Selected Youth | Solution-based project delivery |
Bridging the Gap with ‘Expanding Horizons’
A central component of the grant’s implementation is the “Expanding Horizons” distance case-conference. This digital forum is designed to allow young “transport specialists” from different regions to collaborate on real-world challenges.
Participants will present mini-cases and proposed solutions focusing on several critical themes currently facing the transport sector. These include the integration of digital technologies on railways, the ecology of transport infrastructure, and the overall improvement of safety standards.
By focusing on these themes, the university aims to shift the perception of transport work from traditional labor to a field of high-tech innovation and environmental stewardship. This approach is intended to attract students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) who might not have previously considered a career in the railway or transport sectors.
The next major milestone for the project will be the launch of the professional exhibitions in September 2026, which will mark the first physical rollout of the interregional model.
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