Are you a maintenance worker or supervisor with a transportation or public works agency in Minnesota? Are you interested in expanding your knowledge of maintenance best practices or enhancing your leadership skills? If so, then Minnesota LTAP's Roads Scholar Program is for you!
The Roads Scholar Program provides training and professional development opportunities to local agency staff through a series of certificate programs. Each program combines high-quality, low-cost training into a structured curriculum to help you advance your skills—and career.
Enrollment in the program is free, but there is a small charge to attend many of the required classes. Each certificate program includes a mix of online courses and workshops offered across Minnesota, making them easily accessible to most local agencies.
Maintenance Operations and Technical Certificate
This certificate gives local transportation personnel the opportunity to improve their road and bridge maintenance skills. You'll learn proven techniques as well as how the latest technologies and innovations can be applied to your particular maintenance problems.
To earn your certificate, you must earn eight credits within five years from available LTAP courses.
Leadership, Supervisory, and Operations Management Certificate
This new certificate is an ideal option for new managers, supervisors and those transitioning into a leadership role. Courses focus on the management of local agency and public works organizations and operations.
To earn your certificate, you must complete four designated LTAP leadership courses.
Civil Engineering Technician Certificates
This certificate series is designed to help local agencies advance their current employees into hard-to-fill civil engineering technician positions. The series consists of three levels, which align with civil technician position skill requirements and responsibilities.
More Information
Enrollment and Contact
To enroll in the Roads Scholar program, you must register using this form or by contacting:
Natalie Niskanen
Minnesota LTAP, Program Coordinator
niskanen@umn.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to complete the Maintenance Certificate program before I can enroll in the Leadership Certificate program?
No. You can earn the certificates in any order, or work toward both at the same time.
Do credits from the Maintenance Certificate program count toward the Leadership Certificate program?
At this time, the only workshop that provides credit for both certificate programs is our Writing that Works course. Other credits you earn as part of the Maintenance Certificate program are not applicable or transferable to the Leadership Certificate.
How do I submit credits for the Roads Scholar Program?
After completing an online course, webinar, or workshop, please email your certificate of completion to mnltap@umn.edu so credit can be added to your Roads Scholar account. If you’ve watched a webinar recording, please fill out this attendance certification form and email it to mnltap@umn.edu for credit. Attendees at in-person courses or workshops should complete the instructor-provided Roads Scholar attendance certification form and return the form to the instructor.
When do I receive my certificate and other recognition?
When your final course is completed, Minnesota LTAP will send a letter of confirmation to you. Award recognition is held at the Minnesota Roadway Maintenance Training and Demo Day and the Fall Maintenance Expo.
A letter will be sent to your supervisor and your picture will be posted on the Minnesota LTAP website. An announcement of all graduates for the year will be included in our Exchange newsletter, and a press release will be sent to your local newspaper.
What if I decide to not continue the program?
You are under no obligation to complete the program, and you may resume your training anytime.
May I attend workshops if I am not enrolled in the program?
Absolutely! We encourage everyone interested in learning new skills and gaining valuable knowledge in road construction and maintenance to attend as many LTAP workshops as they wish.
Transcript Request
Please fill out this form to request a copy of your Roads Scholar transcript. You should receive the it within 5-7 business days.
Questions? Please contact Natalie Niskanen at niskanen@umn.edu.