Midland College's transportation training program received a donation from Midland Development Corporation (MDC) and Permian Basin Workforce Development Board. The donation was announced on March 28 during a truck presentation. The donation provided funds for the purchase of a 2025 Peterbilt Truck and approximately $90,000, supporting full scholarships for 20 students enrolling in the transportation training program.
Leaders from Midland College, MDC, and Permian Basin Workforce Development Board gathered at the truck presentation. Leaders discussed that the West Texas region's demand for large-truck drivers remains high and is driven by a diverse and dynamic economy encompassing industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, infrastructure development, interstate commerce, and supply chain logistics. As the region continues to expand, truck drivers play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods and sustaining economic growth. The donated funds will address the pressing need for drivers in the Permian Basin.
"The Midland Development Corporation has been supporting the expansion of Midland College's transportation program since 2018 through partnerships with the Permian Basin Workforce Development Board,” said Chairman of the MDC Lourcey Sams. "This program creates opportunities for Midlanders to advance their careers and for local employers to fill critical jobs. More CDL drivers being trained in Midland makes a tangible impact on our economy.”
Associate VP of the Workforce Education at Midland College Jennifer Myers highlighted the donations’ impact on students. "This donation will significantly benefit our students by providing access to training equipment equipped with the most current technology,” she said. “Having a brand new Peterbilt Truck will help our students train on the same equipment that they will see in the field.”
Myers further highlighted the importance of the CDL driver program in meeting the region's workforce demands. "CDL drivers are in high demand across all industries in the Permian Basin. Our programs play a critical role in addressing this demand by producing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of employers. Our goal at Midland College is to increase the number of students we are able to put in the pipeline so that employers have a reliable and trained workforce to keep things moving. It's one of the most important programs we offer at Midland College.”
For more information about the transportation training program at Midland College, visit the Midland College Website.