Grants Make CDL and Fiber Optic Training More Affordable at UAHT

Suppose you are a student wanting to jump into a high-demand career, or looking to get out of a dead-end job and redirect your life. In that case, you now have a more affordable path, thanks to state-funded scholarships and grants supporting workforce training at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT).

Two of UAHT’s most job-ready programs, Commercial Truck Driving and Fiber Optic Technician training, are eligible for up to $800 in tuition assistance through the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship. Additional funding from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development may cover the full tuition for eligible students.

• The Commercial Truck Driving course, offered through the Arkansas Trucking Academy, prepares students for a career on the road in as little as four weeks. The $3,000 program includes classroom lessons, driving simulation, and hands-on training. Graduates earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and can expect to start with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000.

• The Fiber Optic Technician program is held in partnership with the Arkansas Fiber Academy. It is a nine-week evening course that provides the skills needed to install and maintain fiber broadband networks. Students who complete the program are eligible for the nationally recognized OpTIC Path certification. Entry-level salaries range from $45,000 to $65,000, with high demand across the country.

Both programs are designed to lead directly to employment in fast-growing fields, and thanks to available scholarships, many students can get started with little to no cost.

For scholarship eligibility, visit sams.adhe.edu. To apply or learn more, contact Akili Moses Israel at 870-722-8568 or akili.mosesisrael@uaht.edu.

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