The funds will allow JCC to purchase two trucks and a simulator thanks to the Open Grants Program
SMITHFIELD – The Golden LEAF Board of Directors has awarded $443,000 in funding to support projects through the Open Grants Program to the Johnston Community College Foundation. The funding will allow JCC to purchase two trucks and a simulator to support the expansion of the college’s current Truck Driver Training program.
“Golden LEAF is pleased to support the expansion of Johnston Community College’s Truck Driver Training program,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “This funding will help the program nearly double enrollment, increase the retention rate, and create a career pathway through the high school, all of which will work toward meeting the significant need for truck drivers in the region.”
The expansion would help grow annual enrollment in the Truck Driver Training program from 185 to 241. The funding will also allow 30 incumbent workers to enroll in new continuing education courses and 20 high school students through a new CTE Pathway through the Career and College Promise program.
“We are thrilled to be awarded these funds from Golden LEAF to be applied toward the nation’s oldest Truck Driver Training school. Not only does this help the College, but it helps our regional economy by allowing us to train more pivotal contributors to the supply chain,” said JCC Interim President, Dr. Kenneth A. Boham.
Since 1999, Golden LEAF has funded 2,039 projects totaling $1.2 billion supporting the mission of advancing economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities.
