(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

The post $1,000 Future of Trucking Scholarship Goes to Dedicated St. Louis Mom appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“This scholarship is a dream come true for me,” Little said. “I’ve always wanted to become a truck driver and now I have the support to make it happen. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”

The Future of Trucking Scholarship, launched earlier this year, aims to financially support aspiring truck drivers from the St. Louis area. This scholarship is awarded every quarter to a deserving individual.

Brock Bauza, director of enrollment at Driver Resource Center, shared his excitement about Jason’s new chapter.

“We are thrilled to have Jason as the first recipient of the Future of Trucking Scholarship,” Bauza said. “His enthusiasm for the industry is exactly what we’re looking to support with this scholarship.”

Applications for the next scholarship round are now open, with a deadline set for November 30, 2024. Visit their website to find out more or to submit your application!

Source: The Trucker

Image: Future of Trucking

The post Introducing the First Recipient of the Future of Trucking Scholarship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.