Iowa community colleges now have access to new grants created to support commercial driver’s license programs, the Iowa Workforce Development announced this summer.
The Iowa CDL Infrastructure Grant will provide $5 million in funding to help community colleges with building, purchasing or remodeling infrastructure for CDL training programs, IWD said in a a news release.
It’s the next step in the state’s work to widen the pathway to obtaining a CDL, as Gov. Kim Reynolds announced $2.94 million in grants this spring to support 46 employer programs that prepare drivers to meet CDL requirements.
“Here in Iowa, we need to do everything we can to help get more skilled, qualified drivers on the road – and that work has to include easing the pathway to a CDL,” Ms. Reynolds said.
“With this unique grant program, community colleges will have the opportunity to upgrade facilities, find more space or purchase newer equipment to keep their program competitive while attracting the Iowans who can help meet the demand for drivers.”
Grant applications are accepted at IowaGrants.gov through Monday, Sept. 25. Priority will be given to applicants who have the ability to train and certify truck drivers continuously and in higher volumes, the release states. IWD also will consider colleges’ location to help ensure geographic diversity of awards.
“We had a great reception with our initial CDL grant program, which is now helping Iowa employers advance their own pipeline of new drivers in the state,” IWD Executive Director Beth Townsend said. “Today, we’re expanding that same focus to the programs that make this valuable training possible all across Iowa.”
For more information about the grants, visit IowaGrants.gov.
