OHIO STUDENTS seeking to earn a Commercial Driver’s License have another opportunity to receive financial aid, thanks to an Ohio Department of Higher EducatioN program.

The Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program is meant to promote and encourage job growth for Ohio’s commercial drivers through educational training in programs tied to employment opportunities. Funds awarded to eligible institutions through a competitive application process will be disbursed in the form of grants and loans to students who enroll in approved CDL training programs at those institutions. The Student Aid program received continued support in the state’s biennial operating budget bill (House Bill 33), signed last year by Gov. Mike DeWine.

Students receiving funds to complete a CDL program must commit to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year upon completion of the program.

CDL programs must qualify as eligible through the Ohio Department of Public Safety for students enrolled in these programs to be candidates for grants and loans.

The application period for institutions opens today. Application materials can be found on the ODHE website at highered.ohio.gov/cdl.