The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program”?
The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program was designed to support aspiring distributor member employees to join the crucial career path of commercial driving. The scholarship will provide ten recipients with up to $5,000 towards training at a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified CDL training center.
Who can submit a nomination?
A distributor member company in good standing with CDA can nominate up to two employees for The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program. There is a two-step nomination process the nominating company and nominee must follow.
When can I submit nominations?
The application process is open now. The deadline to apply is May 24, 2024.
What is the nomination process?
There is a two-step process that must be completed for nominations to be considered.
Step One: To be completed by the Nominating Company.
- The distributor member company will identify an administrator to serve as the submitter of nominations and primary contact throughout the process.
- The primary contact will verify/confirm nominee meets all eligibility criteria.
- The primary contact will complete the online nomination application on behalf of their company for the nominee.
- The primary contact will notify the nominee they have been nominated and direct them to complete their individual portion of the online application within 7 days.
Step Two: To be completed by the Nominee.
- A questionnaire will be delivered directly to the nominee’s email inbox.
- The nominee must complete the questionnaire and submit their answers within 7 days of receipt.
- Upon completion and submission of the questionnaire, the nominee’s application will be considered complete.
What is the eligibility criteria for nomination?
- Nominating CDA distributor member company is in good standing.
- Nominee has been employed by the nominating CDA distributor member company for a minimum of one year.
- Nominee has a valid driver’s license.
- Nominee would like to pursue a career in truck driving with the nominating company by obtaining their Commercial Driver’s license.
- Nominee is 18 years or older.
- Nominee meets CDL Eligibility for state of operation.
What CDL training center is considered acceptable?
Recipient and employer must identify a mutually agreeable training program that is certified by FMSCA. Click here to review the list of FMCSA approved training centers.
How can I identify strong candidates within my company?
- Host a contest
- Utilize criteria such as:
- Attendance
- Company program involvement
- Length of service
- Performance evaluations
How are funds dispersed?
The Distributors Education Foundation will submit up to a $5,000 tuition payment to be paid directly to the chosen training center or internal training program.
- Recipient must enroll in a qualified program within 12 months of receiving winner notification.
- Recipient and employer must identify a mutually agreeable training program that is certified by FMSCA.
- Recipient registers for training program and submits proof of registration and invoice to CDA.
- Recipient obtains Commercial Learner's Permit and provides copy of the permit to CDA. CDA shall not pay the invoice until receipt of the Commercial Learner's Permit. Costs of the training program, up to but not exceeding $5,000, shall be paid directly to the chosen training center or internal training program.
- Recipient must complete training within 180 days of receiving Commercial Learner's Permit and present proof of completion to CDA.
- CDA shall not be responsible for any cost of the training program that exceeds $5,000. If the cost of the chosen training program exceeds $5,000, awardee shall be responsible for any additional costs and expenses.
- In the event that the awardee fails to meet CDL eligibility criteria or obtain Commercial Learner’s Permit, CDA shall have the right to withdraw the scholarship and award it to another nominee.
How long after winner notification will the recipient have to utilize their scholarship?
Recipient must enroll in a qualified program within 12 months of receiving winner notification.
Questions? Contact Angie Simonetti.