Chancellor Announces Latest Round of Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Awards

COLUMBUS, OH - A total of 33 schools will share $2.54 million to help Ohio students seeking to earn a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) today announced the recipients of the latest round of funds through the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program. The program promotes and encourages job growth for Ohio's commercial drivers through educational training.

The funds, awarded to eligible institutions through an application process, will be disbursed in the form of grants and loans to students who enroll in approved CDL training programs at those institutions. ODHE collaborates on the student aid program with the Department of Public Safety, which reviews CDL programs to ensure they are qualified and eligible to receive a financial award.

"Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly recognize Ohio's importance in national logistics and shipping," said Chancellor Mike Duffey. "Commercial truck drivers are essential to a thriving economy and student awards contribute to filling the pipeline for this high-demand occupation."

The program will provide financial aid to in-state students who complete a CDL program and agree to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year upon completion.

New program sites receiving funding during this round are Buckeye Career Center, Roadmaster Drivers School of Columbus, and ETI Technical College. CDL programs receiving awards qualified as eligible through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, allowing students enrolled in these programs to be candidates for grants and loans.

A complete list of recipients can be found on the ODHE website at https://highered.ohio.gov/cdl.