Cutrona Highlights CDL Student Aid Program

COLUMBUS – A new state program has just been developed which will help those interested obtain Commercial Drivers Licenses. 

Applications are now being accepted for the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid program, which is designed to support training to help prospective drivers prepare for jobs in this important in-demand field.

This Program was created as a part of the Ohio State Operating Budget providing $5 million for the initiative. This program is just one of the many ways that lawmakers are working to ensure new jobs are being created in Ohio. 

“Our state’s economy is driven in large part by the commercial trucking industry,” Cutrona said. “CDL drivers are in high demand throughout our state and this program will help fill that need while also improving efficiency for many other industries throughout our state”

The Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program is meant to promote and encourage job growth for Ohio’s commercial drivers through educational training in programs related to employment opportunities. According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, funds awarded to eligible institutions through a competitive application process will be disbursed in the form of grants and loans to students who enroll in approved CDL training programs at those institutions.

Students receiving funds to complete a CDL program must commit to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year upon completion of the program, according to the Ohio Department of Higher Education. A total of $5 million in funding is available through the program over the next two years, and eligible institutions can request a maximum of $200,000 per year to support their CDL programs.

Application materials can be found on the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s website at www.ohiohighered.org/cdl