COLUMBUS, Ohio — New student aid is available for Ohioans looking to get their commercial driver’s licenses.

The need for truck drivers is at an all-time high, and Ohioans looking to join the industry could get the financial help to do so.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education is distributing $2.5 million across 30 Ohio schools with approved CDL training programs through the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program.

Randy Gardner, Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, said starting the program was a collaborative effort with legislators and the Ohio Trucking Association. 

“Gov. [Mike] DeWine embraced it and told me we can’t have a thriving economy if we can’t transport products,” said Gardner.

A second round of funds will go out next year with $5 million for schools. Students who enroll in the selected schools will receive the money as grants and loans.

It’s available to all Ohioans seeking to obtain CDLs.

“There will be younger, almost college age, and there will be others further along and transition to a different part of their career,” said Gardner.

Micah French, an instructor at Apollo Career Center in Lima, works with students seeking their CDLs every day. He worked in the trucking industry for 30 years.

“It’s definitely a secure job,” said French. “Pretty much anything you can imagine goes on trucks, so there will always be a need for truck drivers.”

He said the funding will help Apollo help more students looking to get into the trucking workforce.

“That’s kind of our goal to move people into a better situation, better jobs,” said French. “It’s going to help fund at least 18 additional students who may not be able to afford it otherwise.”

For more information, visit the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program website.