Owens CDL Training Program Receives Financial Aid State Funding

The Owens CDL Training Program has received $149,100 from the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program for 2025.

The financial aid program is funded through the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). It provides financial aid to in-state students who complete a CDL program and agree to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year upon completion.

ODHE received 30 applications, with the total funds requested being nearly twice the amount of funding available. Allocations were made based upon demonstrated success.

“This financial aid funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education will allow us to continue the work that already takes place in our CDL Training Program – making sure the next generation of truck drivers are safety focused and well-equipped to handle the demands of their jobs,” said Charlene Page, executive director of Owens Workforce and Economic Development. “It’s rewarding to know that in as little as four weeks, someone can complete our program and find themselves in a secure profession making more than $50,000 per year.”

According to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 2.1 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in 2023 with a median income of $26.12 per hour. Ohio had the fifth most drivers in 2023 with 89,560. An additional 102,000 drivers are expected to be hired by 2033.

The Owens CDL Training Program offers small classes and personal attention from instructors. Licensed by the State of Ohio and taught by licensed CDL class instructors, the Owens trucking school and CDL classes provide 160 course hours – 40 hours in the classroom and 120 of hands-on training on the road in our big rigs.

Class A CDL Training classes on the Toledo-area Campus are four weeks long and run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Classes on the Findlay-area Campus are 10 weeks long and run on the weekend.

HazMat Entry-Level CDL Endorsement training is also available.

For more information on the CDL Training Program at Owens, please visit owens.edu/cdl.