WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is supporting a proposed a rule that would strengthen CDL training schools and diesel mechanic training programs.
“Supporting professional, qualified drivers is essential to ensuring our industry can continue to deliver the nation’s freight safely and efficiently,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA’s chief advocacy & public affairs officer. “By expanding Pell Grant flexibility to make short-term educational programs eligible, this rulemaking will open the door of opportunity to more young people seeking rewarding, good-paying careers in trucking. ATA commends Congress and the Trump Administration for supporting this profession that provides a middle-class lifestyle to Americans without the time and expense of a four-year college degree.”
Workforce Pell Grant
When finalized, the rule will establish a new “Workforce Pell Grant” pathway to allow eligible students to use Pell Grants for educational courses lasting from 8 to 15 weeks. Currently, Pell Grants can only be applied to programs with a duration of 15 or more weeks, rendering students in shorter-term, high-quality job training ineligible for this crucial assistance.
“This reform implements provisions in the Big, Beautiful Bill for which ATA advocated to help students enroll in credentialing programs that meet federal and state quality standards,” ATA said. “The change would dismantle financial barriers that prevent students from low-income households from accessing the career pathways that lead to the trucking industry.”
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register and is now open for a public comment period before being finalized. To read the rule or leave a comment, click here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
