Trucking with the Troops Grant
This grant program provides financial assistance for qualified veterans, service members, and their spouses and children looking to earn their commercial driver's license (CDL).
Our goal is to assist current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children earn their CDL and transition into the transportation industry while building a skilled workforce to meet the driver shortage.
Career Opportunities
Truck drivers are in demand and the need for drivers is expected to increase. The Iowa Workforce Development projected annual job openings for truck drivers is more the 6,200.
Example Careers and Average Wages
| Entry | Average | Experienced |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $37,300 | $50,800 | $61,200 |
Source: Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development
Hawkeye Community College cannot guarantee employment or promotion.
Training Opportunities
Develop skills in backing, turning, and safe driving on both rural and suburban roads using a variety of training techniques including web-based and classroom instruction, hands-on driving simulators, and full-size semis. Gain the professional knowledge of safety requirements and regulations to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and enter the workforce.
Learn more about the 6-Week Class A CDL program
Training Location
Hawkeye’s Regional Transportation Training Center is located at 6433 South Hammond Avenue in Waterloo, Iowa. The center features an open driving area on 23 acres, 26-foot wide road, inclines, and left and right turns.
Driving simulators allow you to start your training in a safe, risk-free environment before climbing into the cab of a truck.
Financial Assistance
Eligible veterans, service members, and their spouses and children may receive financial assistance for tuition and program fees (Commercial Learner's Permit, DOT physical, DOT drug test, and Commercial Driver's License).
Our staff works with individuals to explore additional financial aid opportunities including GAP Tuition Assistance and other federal grant programs.
Eligibility
Veterans and current service members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard members and Reservists, and their spouses and children are eligible to apply for this grant.
This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under a grant/cooperative agreement, dated September 2023.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not
necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and/or the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Schedule a Visit
Complete the form below and a Trucking with the Troops staff member will contact you.