CN has partnered with Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to establish the Southern University Institute of Transportation Studies, which introduces engineering students to the transportation field, particularly in railroad and construction engineering, safety, and project management, and five CN fellowships.

CN is also a supporter of Southern University's Circle of Excellence program.

"Demands for efficient freight transportation mandate that there be a constant supply of professionals."
--Dr. Patrick Carriere
Chair, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Southern University