JAMESTOWN, N.C. — For students looking to get behind the wheel of a big rig or under the hood of a diesel engine, a new scholarship program at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) could help make those career goals more affordable. Funded by Old Dominion Freight Line, the scholarships will support students enrolled in GTCC’s Truck Driver Training and Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology programs.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, the endowed fund will award $1,000 scholarships each academic year to four eligible students, with a goal of eliminating financial barriers while building the skilled workforce the transportation industry needs.
Two of the annual scholarships are designated for women pursuing careers in commercial truck driving and diesel/heavy equipment technology, with the remaining two scholarships open to all qualified students enrolled in the respective programs.
“It has been a joy to work with the Old Dominion Freight Line team and find such meaningful alignment between their commitment to the transportation industry and our work at the GTCC Foundation to support students and programs,” said Britney Sink, director of the GTCC Foundation. “This partnership is a great example of what can happen when we bring together the priorities of our community partners with opportunities to make a lasting difference for students.”
GTCC’s Truck Driver Training program provides students with the skills and certification to inspect and safely operate tractor-trailers, and the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program prepares students for careers in the maintenance of trucks and trailers, along with tractors, bulldozers and large boats.
“Safe drivers and skilled diesel technicians are essential to our industry and our economy,” said Chris Brooks, senior vice president of human resources and safety for Old Dominion Freight Line. “By investing in students today, we’re building a skilled workforce that will keep freight moving safely and efficiently for years to come. We are particularly proud that two of these scholarships are dedicated to encouraging more women to pursue rewarding careers in the transportation industry.”
Through scholarships, emergency assistance and investments in academic and workforce programs, the goal of the GTCC Foundation is to remove financial barriers and expand opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
