Meet Roniqua Garrett—a hardworking mother from St. Louis whose dream of building a better life for her family just took a big leap forward. Roniqua, a mom of two, was recently selected to receive the $1,000 Future of Trucking Scholarship provided by the Driver Resource Center. Her story is not just about personal ambition; it’s about breaking new ground in the trucking industry and inspiring others to follow.
(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
