Eastern Iowa Community Colleges received a grant to support military members’ commercial driver’s license training. (Photo courtesy of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges)
Two Iowa community colleges are set to expand their commercial driver’s license training programs with federal funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and Northeast Iowa Community College announced they have received Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training grants, to be used for active military service members, veterans and their families. EICC’s grant totals $79,800, according to a news release from the community college system, and NICC stated in its own news release that it is receiving $74,925.
EICC Dean of Continuing Education Karri Frank said in the release the system’s five-week training program is “designed to move students quickly from training to employment, while maintaining the high safety standards the industry depends on.”
“This grant allows us to better serve those who have served our country by helping them transition into high-demand civilian careers,” said Karri Frank in the EICC release.
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At EICC, the release stated grant funding will cover at least 14 students at $5,700 each. According to the NICC release, 15 qualified students will have their tuition fully covered over the next two years through the grant.
Grant funding awarded to the community colleges was part of $3.4 million total dedicated to supporting U.S. Armed Forces members, both current and former, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The release stated the “primary mission” of the grant program is to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities “involving large trucks and buses.”
NICC’s four-week program has a 93% job placement rate, the college’s news release stated, and local demand for those trained in this field is predicted to rise by close to 13%. Dawn Fleming, NICC assistant director of financial aid and veterans affairs coordinator, said in the release the college is committed to supporting military members and their families.
“Having a CDL license can be a very rewarding career,” said Martin Hemann, NICC transportation program developer, in the release. “There are many opportunities for employment, whether it be for a local or regional carrier or a nationwide trucking company. You can earn a good living and it can give you a sense of independence and opportunities to see the country.”
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