Buckeye Career Center receives $87,675 grant to help students earn CDLs

Buckeye Career Center has received $87,675 in grant funding to help eligible students earn a commercial driver’s license through the American Professional Truck Driving School by Buckeye Career Center.

The funding is provided through the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Buckeye Career Center will award funds to eligible students who apply and enroll in its Class A and Class B CDL courses at the American Professional Truck Driving School, 8334 state Route 36 S.E., Gnadenhutten.

The grant is intended to reduce financial barriers and expand access to career opportunities in the transportation industry, according to Frank Polen, director of curriculum, instruction and adult education.

“We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to both new applicants and individuals already on our waitlist,” Polen said. “This funding allows us to help more students enter the workforce while supporting the growing need for qualified commercial drivers. A recent Indeed search indicated 65 open truck-driving jobs within a 50-mile radius of Tuscarawas County, and OhioMeansJobs shows more than 3,000 CDL openings in our region. This is one of the most in-demand careers nationwide.”

Through the program, qualifying students will have 50% of their CDL training costs covered by grant funds, with the remaining 50% provided as a state loan. The loan portion, administered by the state of Ohio through a promissory note, will be fully forgiven if the student works as a commercial driver for at least one year after earning a CDL.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply promptly, as funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Class A CDL courses are scheduled to start Feb. 16, March 9 and April 27. Class B courses are scheduled to begin Feb. 2 and April 13.

Buckeye Career Center also offers the U.S. America CDL Test Center by Buckeye Career Center at the same location in Gnadenhutten. For more information about CDL training programs or how to apply for grant assistance, visit buckeyecareercenter.org/page/cdl or contact Steve Rippeth, assistant director of adult education, at 330-339-2288 or srippeth@buckeyecareercenter.org.