Some of the most useful opportunities are tied to organizations or memberships already connected to a career in trucking. Before paying for a course or limiting a scholarship search to traditional financial aid, it is worth seeing what those connections already provide.

Build Business Knowledge Without Paying for a Course

For anyone interested in learning more about the business side of trucking, OOIDA maintains a free online education library covering topics that can become particularly useful when considering independent operations.

The course catalog includes calculating cost of operations, understanding operating authority, negotiating rates, using load boards, insurance, equipment purchasing, leasing, and other business subjects. Rather than requiring enrollment in a larger program, individual courses can be selected based on what someone needs to learn.

That flexibility gives the library value at different stages of a career. Someone researching the move to owner-operator can start with operating costs and equipment, while an established small-business owner can focus on subjects such as rates or authority when the need arises.

Other organizations offer shorter free courses in specific areas. The North American Fatigue Management Program provides self-paced fatigue and sleep education, including material for spouses and families, while Truckers Against Trafficking offers online awareness training with a certificate of completion. These are more specialized resources, but they provide additional training without tuition or a fixed class schedule.

Look for Education Benefits Through Industry Connections

Professional development can also come through industry memberships and organizations, particularly for those interested in expanding their role beyond driving.

The Truckload Carriers Association, for example, operates a learning center with on-demand education, virtual webinars, and industry certificate programs. Its current education offerings include structured certificate programs as well as professional development in areas such as leadership and other transportation functions.

Access and cost depend on the program and a person’s connection to a TCA member company, so this is an area where an existing industry relationship can matter. Instead of searching broadly for outside professional development, checking the education resources attached to memberships or workplace affiliations can reveal programs already designed around transportation careers.

This is also worth considering when career goals change. Someone interested in eventually moving into operations, safety, recruiting, training or another part of the industry can look for education tied specifically to those functions rather than starting with a general course that has little connection to trucking.

Use Trucking Connections to Help Pay for School

Some of the largest education benefits available through the industry are intended for family members.

The Truckload Carriers Association Scholarship Fund assists in qualifying students connected to TCA member companies. Eligibility includes certain employees and independent contractors as well as their children, grandchildren, and spouses.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, TCA awarded a record $182,000 to 64 students. Qualifying full-time students at four-year colleges can receive as much as $6,250 per year, while awards for students attending two-year colleges can reach $2,000. Applicants must be pursuing an initial degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

OOIDA’s Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund provides another opportunity for families with an industry connection. Children, grandchildren and legal dependents of members can apply beginning in their senior year of high school, provided they meet the program’s age requirements.

Five awards are offered annually, including one $2,000 scholarship and four $1,000 scholarships. The assistance can continue beyond the first year, with recipients eligible to renew for up to three additional years.

Do Not Limit the Search to Four-Year Degrees

A university is only one possible destination for education funding. Some industry programs include two-year colleges or trade schools, which can make assistance useful for a wider range of career plans.

The Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund, for example, accepts qualifying applicants planning to attend college or trade school. TCA expanded its scholarship eligibility to include accredited two-year programs in addition to four-year institutions.

For families comparing opportunities, the type of school covered should be one of the first eligibility requirements checked. A scholarship that does not fit a four-year university plan could still work for a community college or technical education path.

The student’s major also should not automatically rule out an industry scholarship. Several programs establish eligibility through the family’s trucking connection rather than requiring the recipient to study transportation.

Search Before the Application Season Begins

Timing can determine whether an otherwise qualified student gets the chance to apply. For the 2026 cycle, OOIDA’s scholarship deadline was February 1, and TCA’s application window closed March 20, months before the start of the fall semester.

That makes late fall and early winter a better time to begin checking programs for the following academic year. Requirements can include transcripts, enrollment information, essays, recommendations, and documentation showing the applicant’s connection to the sponsoring organization.

National associations are only part of the search. State trucking associations and other industry organizations can operate separate scholarship programs, so existing memberships and professional connections are useful places to look before moving on to broader scholarship databases.

Keeping track of deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility requirements as programs open can make it easier to focus on opportunities that are actually worth pursuing.

FAQ

Does a trucking scholarship require a transportation-related major?

Not necessarily. Programs such as the TCA Scholarship Fund base eligibility in part on the applicant’s connection to a qualifying member company rather than requiring a transportation major. Current requirements should still be reviewed for each application cycle.

Can a family member qualify because someone in the household works in trucking?

Yes, depending on the program. TCA extends eligibility to certain children, grandchildren, and spouses of qualifying employees and independent contractors, while OOIDA’s program covers eligible children, grandchildren, and legal dependents of members.

Are there trucking scholarships for trade school?

Yes. OOIDA’s Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund accepts qualifying applicants planning to attend a college or trade school. Other programs have their own rules regarding vocational and technical education.

When should families begin searching for the next round of scholarships?

Starting in late fall gives families time to identify programs before winter and early-spring deadlines begin arriving. It also leaves time to gather transcripts, essays, recommendations and other required documents.

Are free trucking courses useful for someone who does not want to become an owner-operator?

They can be, but the value depends on the subject. Business-focused courses are most relevant to someone interested in independent operations, while other industry education can support professional development or knowledge in a specific area without requiring a degree program.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 16, 2026

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Since its founding in 1973, the TCA Scholarship Fund has supported the educational goals of students connected to the trucking industry. Eligible recipients are students in good standing who are enrolled in two- or four-year colleges or universities and are affiliated with TCA member companies.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for all of us,” said Mark Walker, CEO of TransLand and chairman of the TCA Scholarship Fund.

“We are honored to raise the bar once again in supporting students and investing in their future. The volume and caliber of applications this year were outstanding, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many talented, driven individuals pursuing their goals,” he continued. “We are proud to play a part in their journeys and look forward to seeing the impact they will have on our industry and beyond.”

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients, who are listed below.

Endowed, named scholarships (awarded only to four-year university recipients):

• NAIT Scholarship ($6,250): Jorleney Aguirre, Landstar Transportation
• John Kaburick Scholarship ($4,500): Isaac Crespo, NFI Industries
• Darrel Clark Wilson III Scholarship ($3,250): Kennedy Buatte, Prime Inc.
• Jim and Starla Ward Scholarship ($3,250): Wyatt Neese, Hogan Transports
• Kai Norris Scholarship ($3,250): Ganella Adams, Brown Trucking
• Keith Tuttle Scholarship ($3,250): Alec Schaublin, Thomas E. Keller Trucking
• Robert D. Penner Scholarship ($3,250): Anabella Caballero, Werner Enterprises
• Robert Low Scholarship ($3,250): Zach Polubinski, AIT Worldwide Logistics
• Stoney Reese Stubbs Scholarship ($3,250): Parnoor Gill, Bison Transport
• Thomas R. Schilli Scholarship (two recipients/$3,250 each): Jeremiah Leonard, Western Dairy Transport; and Gurjaan Rai, Bison Transport
• Thomas Welby Scholarship ($3,250): Brett Faccio, Buchanan Hauling and Rigging
• Tom Kretsinger Jr. Scholarship ($3,250): Zach Gaudette, Sibley Transport
• William Giroux Scholarship (three recipients/$3,250 each): Logan Dudley, Swift Transportation; Lily Maddox, Covenant Logistics; and Ryan Battista, NFI Industries

Four-year university scholarship recipients, $2,725 each:

• Kade Andrus, Doug Andrus Distributing
• Judah Bass, Saddle Creek Logistics
• Anika Birkelo, Royal Logistics
• Aden Brown, Prime Inc.
• Julian Chancellor, Maverick Transportation
• Sahitya Das, NFI Industries
• Christina Doucette, Werner Enterprises
• Joshua Duncan, Best Logistics Group
• Madeline Falknor, Fremont Contract Carriers
• Brody Gager, NFI Industries
• Tristen Gaulden, Maverick Transportation
• Bella Genco, Knight Transportation
• Samantha Hoffman, Firstfleet
• Paige Hudson, SMC3
• Darius Jarvis, Givens Transportation
• MacKenzy King, Marten Transport
• Erika Kraseman, Swift Transportation
• Caris Lincoln, Dana Incorporated
• Madeline Marten, Marten Transport
• Miranda Martinez, Werner Enterprises
• Jeremiah Mathew, Stevens Transport
• Orelon McNeal, SWTO
• Drew Merritt, Hendrickson
• Caleb Moore, J.J. Keller & Associates
• Ethan Moore, Halvor Lines
• Margaret Motts, Hendrickson
• Charlotte Pugh, Best Logistics Group
• Katie Pulliam, Danny Herman Trucking
• Andrew Ramirez, Lew Thompson & Sons
• Ava Reilley, NFI Industries
• Sebastian Ruiz, S&H Express
• Hannah Sherer, Knight-Swift Transportation
• Sarina Shrestha, Werner Enterprises
• Harleigh Smith, Heartland Express
• Brandon Stice, Heartland Express
• Macie Varley, Trans-System
• Demetrius Warnsley, KLLM Transport Services
• David Wiewiura, Hendrickson
• Teigen Wormstadt, Fortune Transportation
• Ryan Wyskowski, Werner Enterprises
• Isaac Yust, Heartland Express

Two-year college scholarship recipients, $2,000 each:

• Molly Garner, Big G Express
• Mabel Ornelas, Arlo G. Lott Trucking
• Jenessa Rimer, Transportation Commodities Inc. (TCI)
• Alexandria Rivera, Saddle Creek Logistics
• Megan Tyler, Hogan Transports
• Sawyer Wickesberg, J.J. Keller & Associates

How recipients were selected

The application process was managed by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. A selection committee, established by OFIC, scored the applicants, taking into consideration the applicants’ GPA, major, extracurricular activities, hours worked, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did the TCA Scholarship Fund award for 2026-27?
A total of $182,000 was awarded to 64 students.

Who is eligible for the TCA Scholarship Fund?
Students must be in good standing, enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university, and affiliated with a TCA member company.

Who manages the application process?
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges manages the application and selection process.

What factors are used to select recipients?
Applicants are evaluated based on GPA, major, extracurricular activities, hours worked, and more.

Are there different scholarship types available?
Yes, including endowed named scholarships for four-year university recipients and standard awards for both two-year and four-year students.

The TCA Scholarship Fund continues to support students connected to the trucking industry through its annual scholarship program.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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The Arkansas Trucking Association is currently accepting applications for its technician scholarship program, with submissions open through April 17. The opportunity is aimed at students preparing to enter medium and heavy-duty truck technician programs within the state.

“The Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship has invested over $100,000 in Arkansas’ future technicians,” said ATA President Shannon Newton. “By aiding access to a quality education, we’re not only equipping young people — we’re ensuring Arkansas has the skilled workforce needed to keep commerce moving safely and efficiently. Each scholarship recipient represents both individual opportunity and our commitment to Arkansas’ economic future.”

Supporting the Next Generation of Truck Technicians

The scholarship program was created to strengthen the pipeline of qualified technicians, a role that continues to be critical across fleets, independent shops, and dealerships. Reliable maintenance and repair work directly impacts uptime, safety, and overall operating costs across the industry.

The Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2017 to help grow that workforce and encourage more students to pursue technical careers tied to trucking. According to the association, the program is designed to support education while promoting higher standards across maintenance operations.

The scholarship honors Carl Tapp, the first chairman of the ATA Maintenance and Technology Council, who was recognized for mentoring and supporting emerging talent in the field.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Students interested in applying must meet several requirements:

• Be a graduating senior from an accredited high school
• Plan to enroll in a medium and heavy-duty truck technician program
• Attend an Arkansas-based institution
• Commit to a program lasting at least two semesters

Eligible students can begin their coursework in August 2026 or January 2027.

Timeline and What Comes Next

Applications remain open until April 17. The selected recipient for the 2026 scholarship is expected to be announced in May.

Additional details about the application process and eligibility requirements are available here.

Why This Matters Across the Industry

The demand for skilled technicians continues to rise as equipment becomes more advanced and maintenance standards tighten. Keeping trucks on the road depends on qualified people who know how to diagnose, repair, and maintain modern systems under real working conditions.

Efforts like this scholarship program help bring more trained professionals into the field, supporting safer operations and more reliable equipment across the industry.

The post Arkansas Trucking Association Opens Technician Scholarship Applications Through April 17 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 20.

Supporting Trucking Families Through Education

The TCA Scholarship Fund has been in place for more than 50 years and continues to focus on students whose families work within the truckload sector. The program is supported largely by carriers, associate members, and individuals across the TCA network.

“TCA’s scholarship program is a powerful example of our members investing in the future of the truckload industry,” said Joey Hogan, TCA Scholarship Fund Committee chair and Covenant Logistics board member. “With the continued support of our donors and the inclusion of junior colleges, this program delivers real value to TCA members. I encourage everyone to share this opportunity with their employees and families.”

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The scholarship program is open to full-time students attending accredited two-year or four-year colleges, including junior colleges. Applicants must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and be enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.

Eligibility extends to:

• Employees of TCA member companies
• Independent contractors affiliated with TCA member companies
• Children, grandchildren, or spouses of qualifying employees or contractors

Scholarships awarded during this cycle apply to the 2026–2027 academic year.

Scholarship Award Amounts

Funding amounts vary by program length.

For four-year colleges, awards can reach up to $6,250 per academic year. Students attending two-year programs may receive up to $2,000 per year.

“For over 50 years, the TCA Scholarship Fund has been helping students with connections to the truckload industry,” TCA said. “Much of the program’s support comes from within the truckload TCA family—companies and individuals who are committed to our truckload community’s future. The fund awards up to $6,250 per year, per full-time four-year college student and up to $2,000 per full-time two-year college student. In the current 2025-2026 academic year, the TCA Scholarship Fund’s Board of Trustees awarded a record 62 students scholarships totaling over $175,000.”

Why This Matters to Drivers and Carriers

Education costs continue to rise, and for many trucking families, balancing school expenses with the realities of the job can be difficult. The TCA Scholarship Fund is designed to ease that pressure while keeping families connected to the industry long term.

“The TCA Scholarship Fund is an incredible member benefit and a great way to engage employees and their families,” said Zander Gambill, TCA’s vice president of membership & outreach. “I encourage all carriers and associate members to spread the word and take advantage of this opportunity.”

How to Apply or Get More Information

Complete application details and forms are available through the TCA Scholarship Fund here.

Questions about the application process can be directed to OFIC at scholarships@ofic.org.

Source: The Trucker

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The scholarship is specifically available to students enrolling in the college’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, located at its Benton Harbor campus.

“Employers and job providers have told us short-term training opportunities like the LMC Truck Driving School and the Marine Maintenance Technology program are in high demand,” explained Doug Schaffer, Vice President of Advancement and Community Impact. “Those programs, however, are not eligible for traditional financial aid like Pell grants or state scholarship programs. This is the LMC Foundation stepping in to fill a significant need in our community to help students with career opportunities.”

The CDL program, a cornerstone of LMC’s short-term training offerings, is conducted in partnership with Regen Trucking School. Students can complete all requirements in just three weeks at the South Haven campus. Additionally, the Marine Maintenance Technology program, a recent addition to LMC’s lineup, is also included in the scholarship initiative.

Jeremy Burleson, Associate Dean of the South Haven Campus and Select Academic Programs, highlighted the importance of this funding: “We have a great deal of interest in truck driving, but the stumbling block has been the lack of financial aid for students. The Lake Michigan College Foundation is paving the way for high-paying jobs, and we are grateful to LMC donors and leaders for again removing barriers for people in our community. This is great news for our region and our students.”

By addressing the financial challenges that often accompany short-term training programs, Lake Michigan College is opening doors to lucrative career paths for individuals in Southwest Michigan.

Image Source: Lake Michigan College
Source: Truckers News

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(Source: DRC) Roniqua Garett (right) and Roni Brassfield (left), MTC CDL instructor

Breaking Barriers: Roniqua’s Journey

Pursuing her CDL at MTC Truck Driver Training in St. Ann, Missouri, Roniqua made history as the first African American woman to be awarded this scholarship. She faces the future with confidence and genuine excitement, seeing truck driving as much more than a job.

“I love to travel, and I love driving, so it seemed perfect to me,” Roniqua shared. “This is a great opportunity to build a better life for me and my kids.”

Thanks to this scholarship, Roniqua has been able to cover a sizeable part of her training costs. That peace of mind means she can devote her focus to learning and getting ready for her career on the road. She already has a job lined up for after graduation.

A Bright Spot in Trucking

Selecting Roniqua for the scholarship was a proud moment for those at the Driver Resource Center. Brock, who is the Director of Enrollment, offered high praise and encouragement:

“We are excited to award Roni the Future of Trucking Scholarship,” he said. “She has such a positive attitude and is determined to succeed.”

Roniqua’s award recognizes her determination and shows other women, especially women of color, what’s possible with grit and drive.

Encouraging Diversity Behind the Wheel

The trucking workforce has long been dominated by men, but this is beginning to change. The Women in Trucking Association points out that only about 8% of drivers in the US are women, and fewer still are African American. Each step forward, like Roniqua’s, helps chip away at those gaps.

Scholarships like this are an important part of opening doors and encouraging more women and minorities to explore trucking as a career. They help highlight how diverse voices and talents make the industry stronger and more innovative.

Expanding Opportunities: About the Scholarship

Created in 2024 for St. Louis residents, the Future of Trucking Scholarship was so successful that it now accepts applicants from Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, South Carolina, and Kentucky. The main goal is to help ease the financial load for those starting out in the trucking trade, allowing more people to chase their ambitions in a growing, dynamic field.

If you live in one of these states and have thought about truck driving as a career, you can apply for the next round. The application deadline is August 30. Applicants are assessed on their passion for the industry, resilience, and commitment—traits Roniqua displays in abundance.

How to Apply

Interested in taking your first steps toward a career like Roniqua’s? The Driver Resource Center is currently accepting new applications for the Future of Trucking Scholarship. Details and application forms can be found directly on their website.

Why Roniqua’s Story Matters

Roniqua’s success isn’t just her own; it marks real progress for anyone dreaming of a place in an industry where women and minorities have often been underrepresented. Her story offers hope and shows that with the right support, anyone with heart and commitment can find their path in trucking.

If you’ve ever imagined a career on the road, this scholarship might be your starting point. The industry is calling for people like you—ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to make a difference. With new doors opening each year, now is the perfect time to start your own story.

Source: Truckers News

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“The Madison show was everything ATHS stands for,” said Peter Wild, the 2025 Convention Chair from Newton, Kansas. “With 870 beautifully preserved trucks and trailers, hands-on demonstrations, and learning sessions, trucking history came alive. Best of all, we swapped stories with friends old and new from around the globe.”

Held at the Alliant Energy Center, the convention offered an all-in-one venue for attendees. “The Alliant Energy Center was the perfect one-stop venue,” said Courtney Cesar, ATHS Convention Manager. “Having show trucks, vendors, learning sessions, and events under one roof — and within walking distance of hotels — made the event seamless for attendees.”

Golden Achievement Awards

During the awards banquet, ATHS honored truckers with its prestigious Golden Achievement Awards, which celebrate over 50 years of dedication to the trucking industry. This year’s recipients included:

• Louis Binder – Morris, Illinois
• Dennis Chapman – Diamond Bar, California
• Robert Charney – Surprise, Arizona
• Dave Everett – Columbus, Nebraska
• Steve Haberland – Cody, Wyoming
• Stroud Hollinshead – West Fargo, North Dakota
• Bill Harris – Olathe, Kansas
• Chris Schatz – Worland, Wyoming
• Todd Spencer – Oak Grove, Missouri

Scholarship Awardees

Several scholarships were also presented during the event, supporting future leaders in trucking and related fields.

George Schroyer Memorial Scholarships (funded by ATHS members):

• Rabeka Liberto (Kansasville, Wisconsin) – Child of ATHS member Steven Liberto
• Lucas Massei (Brooklyn, Wisconsin) – Child of ATHS member Marco Massei

Cummins Scholarship:

• Lily Stackpole (Cushing, Maine) – Grandchild of ATHS member Robert Stackpole

Lewis Semple Clarke Educational Fund (funded by The Autocar Co. and ATHS Autocar Division):

• Arantza Montserrat (Birmingham, Alabama) – Child of Autocar employee Juan Antonio Rivero Camacho

Hall of Fame Inductees

ATHS also revealed the 2025 inductees to its Hall of Fame, who will be honored on October 22 at its Kansas City, Missouri headquarters. The inductees are:

• Roy Carver, Bandag
• Lewis Semple Clarke, Autocar
• Joseph Morten, Great West Casualty Insurance

“We’re deeply grateful to the volunteers and sponsors who make the National Convention & Truck Show possible,” said John Gravley, ATHS Executive Director.

This year’s ATHS Convention embodied the spirit of trucking history, bringing together enthusiasts from around the globe to honor the past and inspire the future of the industry.

Image Source: ATHS
Source: Truckers News

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What Is the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship?

If you’re an OOIDA member with children, grandchildren, or legal dependents pursuing higher education, this scholarship is designed for them. Whether they’re starting college or working toward another educational goal, these funds can make a real difference in helping them achieve success.

Every year, five students are selected to receive scholarships. One standout recipient earns $2,000 annually, while four others are awarded $1,000 each year. These scholarships can be renewed for up to four years and used for tuition or other education-related expenses.

How to Apply

Getting started is simple: download the application and cover letter from the OOIDA website. But don’t wait—all materials must be submitted by February 1. This deadline is firm, so be sure to get everything in on time! A Scholarship Advisory Committee reviews all submissions anonymously to ensure a fair and impartial selection process.

Supporting Education Together

Want to help even more students? Consider donating to the scholarship fund. Contributions can be made online at OOIDA.com/Scholarship-Program or mailed to:

OOIDA Foundation Inc.
1 NW OOIDA Dr.
Grain Valley, MO 64029

The OOIDA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so every donation directly supports vital programs for small-business truckers and their families.

Source: Land Line

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