Courtesy Southeastern Community College
A growing program at Southeastern Community College has been approved for major federal funding.
A $4.9 million federal appropriation will “significantly expand and strengthen” the college’s Truck Driver Training Program, the college said in a press release. The federal funding was included in the federal bill H.R. 5371 supported by Sen. Thom Tillis, which was signed into law in November.
This $4,905,000 investment represents a major step forward for SCC and for Columbus County, the release said. Truck driver training continues to be one of the most in demand workforce programs in Southeastern North Carolina, and this funding will allow the college to increase capacity, enhance safety, and provide even more residents with access to career changing training.
“North Carolina’s rural communities deserve strong pathways to good paying jobs, and expanding truck driver training at Southeastern Community College creates new opportunities for students and workers across the region,” Tillis said in a press release. “With a growing demand for truck drivers across the country, this investment equips more North Carolinians with in demand skills while supporting workforce growth and economic opportunity across our state.”
SCC President Dr. Chris English shared his appreciation for the support behind the funding.
“We are deeply grateful for Senator Tillis’ support in securing this investment for our Truck Driver Training Program. This funding will open doors for more residents to access high quality training that leads to stable, high wage careers in a field that is essential to our region’s economy. As a community college committed to workforce development, these resources will allow us to expand opportunities, strengthen our local workforce, and support businesses across Southeastern North Carolina. We look forward to welcoming Senator Tillis and his team to campus in the future to celebrate the impact this investment will make on Columbus County.”
While project timelines and final designs are still being developed, SCC anticipates this funding will support several transformative enhancements to the program. Plans include the development of a new five acre driving pad designed to elevate hands on training opportunities for students. The driving pad will be connected to the college’s new $22 million Transportation Technology and STEM Building, currently under development on SCC’s 78 acre expansion site.
The funding will also allow SCC to purchase state of the art equipment that could include the addition of simulators that expand training capacity while improving safety and instructional quality. In addition, the college will acquire additional trucks and trailers to meet growing industry demand and ensure students are trained on modern equipment.
“This investment reflects what is possible when strong partnerships and shared priorities come together,” said Dr. English. “We are excited about what this means for our students, our employers, and the future of workforce development in our region.”
Southeastern Community College remains committed to opening doors for its community through powerful partnerships and workforce focused education. This federal investment reinforces SCC’s role as a driving force in building a skilled, job ready workforce that keeps Southeastern North Carolina moving forward.
In addition to these long term investments, SCC is excited to invite prospective students to the next Truck Driver Training orientation on February 25 in the SCC Auditorium. The Truck Driver Training program can be completed in as little as nine weeks, preparing students for in demand careers in a short timeframe.
Thanks to special and limited funding, registration for the next Truck Driver Training class is free, removing a major financial barrier for individuals ready to take the next step toward a high demand career.
For more information about SCC’s Truck Driver Training Program or to attend the February 25 orientation, click here.
