NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2026 – Stark State College is pleased to announce that it will receive $875,000 in federal funding to build a new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Instruction Center at its current CDL training center in Akron. This investment will enhance Stark State’s ability to prepare students for high-demand careers in transportation and logistics.

The support, which was approved by the U.S. Congress on Feb. 6 as part of a federal funding bill, will aid in the construction of permanent classrooms, faculty offices, and a computer lab and workspace for students participating in CDL training. The center will replace the mobile office building being used currently.

The funding was championed by Ohio U.S. Senator Jon Husted, who worked with congressional leaders to secure resources that expand workforce training opportunities in Northeast Ohio and across the state.

“We are grateful to Senator Husted for securing these funds for Stark State College’s CDL program, which is serving the critical need for well-trained, safe truck drivers,” said Para M. Jones, Ph.D., president of Stark State College. “CDL is a critical need across the nation, but especially critical in Ohio, where we manufacture and move products to the rest of the nation and world.”

Stark State’s CDL program is designed to help individuals earn their license in a matter of weeks, addressing a persistent shortage of commercial drivers across the region. Ohio workforce data show Northeast Ohio must fill over 3,000 truck driver jobs each year, making it one of the state’s most critical in-demand occupations.

The program currently serves approximately 220 students annually and maintains an over 95% licensure pass rate, the highest in Ohio.

“Stark State’s CDL Instruction Center will provide classrooms, faculty offices, a computer lab, and a breakroom for Akron students pursuing their commercial driver’s licenses. The facility will employ 20 Ohioans and train up to 250 CDL drivers each year. I was proud to help Stark State secure $875,000 for this program, which will open the door to good-paying, in-demand careers and strengthen Ohio’s workforce and supply chain,” said Senator Husted.

Construction on the facility is scheduled to begin in fall 2026. CDL instruction will continue at the current facility during the new building’s construction.