NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently awarded Stark State College an $88,688 grant to help veterans, active service members and their family members transition into careers in the transportation industry.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grant funding will cover tuition and required fees for up to 12 military-connected individuals who wish to pursue training through Stark State to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). The College offers Class A and Class B training programs 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 top in-demand occupations. The program currently serves approximately 220 students annually and maintains a licensure pass rate of over 95%, the highest in Ohio.

Stark State has a long history of supporting military-connected students. It is among a select group of Ohio colleges and universities designated as Collegiate Purple Star campuses by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for their efforts to support military-connected students. Those efforts are bolstered by the College’s Military Services Office, which provides enrollment and educational support services.

Those who are interested can contact Kimberly Smith at 330-494-6170 ext. 4444 or cdl@starkstate.edu. Stark State is also scheduled to host upcoming CDL information sessions on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and Tuesday, March 24, at 4:15 p.m. at its CDL training center at 2270 Picton Parkway in Akron. More information is available at www.starkstate.edu/cdl.