New Commercial Driver’s License Program Offers Free Career Training For Washington County High School Seniors - 01/15/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hillsboro, Oregon — High school seniors in Washington County public schools now have a new pathway to a high-wage, high-demand career through a free commercial driver's license (CDL) program launching this spring.
The program prepares students to safely operate commercial trucks and equips them with the skills needed to enter the workforce shortly after high school graduation. Graduates will be prepared for employment opportunities with local construction, public transit, utility, transportation, energy, and waste management companies.
Thanks to generous community sponsors, the program is free for students. Comparable CDL training programs typically cost an estimated $8,000.
Program Details
-
Open to high school seniors who attend public schools in Banks, Beaverton, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, Sherwood and Tigard-Tualatin school districts
-
Training begins in March at the regional office in Hillsboro
-
Continues through July at Elite Truck School in Hillsboro
-
No cost to participate
-
Applications available in English and Spanish
Application Deadline: Friday, January 30
Applicants must:
-
Provide contact information, including school and parent/guardian details
-
Select an educator sponsor from their school
-
Sponsors support students during the application process and provide mentoring throughout the program
-
-
Submit a short essay
-
Provide one letter of recommendation (from a supervisor, teacher, counselor, coach, or similar reference)
-
Submit a resume