COLUMBUS, Ohio - Northeast Ohio Truck Driver Training in North Jackson is one of 35 Ohio Schools receiving assistance for students interested in becoming a commercial truck driver.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education is distributing $2.54 million in student aid through the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program for people interested in receiving a commercial driver's license.

Students who will receive financial aid must complete a CDL program and agree to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year after completing the program. The money will be given to the students in the form of grants and loans. 

"I commend Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for continuing to make this important program a funding priority," said Chancellor Randy Gardner. "Commercial truck drivers are an essential part of Ohio's economy, and these awards will contribute to the ongoing growth of this high-demand occupation and help students seeking to earn their CDL."

The program is meant to encourage job growth for Ohio's commercial drivers through educational training. ODHE is collaborating with the Department of Public Safety, who review CDL Programs in the State and ensure they are qualified and eligible to receive the financial award. 

"Ohio is leading the way with the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid program as a one-of-its-kind program in the country," said Tom Balzer, president and CEO of the Ohio Trucking Association. "This program is administered in a streamlined method that takes a student from the application process to the completion of the training in an expedited fashion, getting them into a higher-paying career quickly and efficiently. Being a truck driver is a career, and this program removes common impediments to getting to the next level in their career."

A complete list of participating schools can be found here.