Ohio students seeking to earn a commercial driver’s license now have the opportunity to receive financial aid as the result of a new program announced by the 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, the announcement stated.

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 commercial driver’s license training programs at those institutions. “Commercial truck drivers are a vital part of Ohio’s economy, and this program will allow for the growth of this in-demand occupation,” Chancellor Randy Gardner of the Ohio Department of Higher Education said in the announcement.

Students receiving funds to complete a commercial driver’s license program must commit to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year upon completion of the program. 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 commercial driver’s license programs. Application materials can be found at https://www.ohiohighered.org/cdl.

First Published January 18, 2022, 9:29 p.m.