The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) has launched a program to offer financial aid to Ohio students seeking to earn a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

According to a press release, ODHE has allocated $2.5 million to fund the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program. Commercial truckers are in high demand in Ohio and this program was designed to increase the number of qualified truckers in the state's workforce to meet this demand. 

"Commercial truck drivers continue to be a vital part of Ohio's economy, and this additional round of funding will allow for even more growth of this occupation," ODHE Chancellor Randy Gardner said. "Governor DeWine and the General Assembly are to be commended for their leadership in seeing this critical need and providing additional funding to help Ohio students succeed."

Students who receive financial assistance through this program must reside and be employed in Ohio for at least one year upon earning a CDL driver's license.

Eligible institutions will be selected through a competitive application process and can request a maximum of $250,000 to support their CDL programs. Financial assistance will be disbursed in the form of grants and loans to eligible students who enroll in approved CDL training programs at those institutions. 

Prospective CDL students can find more information and application materials on the ODHE website.

The Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program was approved in the state's biennial budget bill (HB110) and, following the addition of several measures to the program set forth in SB166, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine last year.