WWCC receives federal grant to aid commercial driving students

WALLA WALLA –— Walla Walla Community College received $128,521 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide financial assistance to students in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program.

The WWCC was one of 27 colleges and commercial driver training programs in the U.S. to receive funds through the agency’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program. The program offers grants to support career opportunities for veterans and students living in rural communities and to meet the nation’s growing demand for truck drivers.

WWCC students enrolled in the 11-week CDL program learn what is needed to pass the Class A CDL knowledge and skills testing in Washington state. They learn to safely drive large vehicles, including truck and trailer combos, flatbeds, and livestock carriers. 

“This grant will provide up to $4,800 in tuition assistance for approximately 27 eligible students,” said Dustin Hyde, WWCC’s Commercial Truck Driving program director. “This is the highest-level driver’s license an individual can earn and an area filled with well-paying jobs.”

To learn more about the program, contact Dustin Hyde at dustin.hyde@wwcc.edu.