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 scholarship nomination process is now open.
- The last day to complete both Step 1 and Step 2 of the nomination application is Friday, April 4, 2025.
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 contact CDA (LaurenH@cdaweb.net, 703-208-1640) to begin the scholarship process for their nominee(s).
- CDA to provide the link to the online nomination application for the primary contact to complete on behalf of their company for the nominee(s).
- Once complete, 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 (link e-mailed directly to the nominee).
Step Two: To be completed by the Nominee.
- A link to the nominee portion of the application will be delivered directly to the nominee’s email inbox.
- The nominee must complete the application and submit their answers within 7 days of receipt (or a new link will be required).
- Upon completion and submission of the application, the nominee’s submission will be considered complete.
Where can I preview the scholarship applications before starting the process?
- Preview the application for the nominating company here.
- Preview the application for the nominee here.
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.
- Nominee may not have obtained a CDL or commenced a training program before the receipt of the scholarship.
- Nominee must be awarded the scholarship before registering for a training program.
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 CDA 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.
- 2025 scholarship recipients must enroll in a qualified program by June 1, 2026.
- 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 the required training and pass the testing for their CDL within the timeframe specified by their state regulations following the receipt of their 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?
Recipients of the 2025 scholarship award must enroll in a qualified program by June 1, 2026.
Questions? Contact Lauren Herbert.