Building a Pathway for Students

The driving force behind the initiative is NGT co-founders David Dein and Lindsay Trent. Since starting a pioneering high school trucking curriculum at Patterson in 2017, NGT has helped spread similar opportunities to more than 50 schools nationwide. Their core aim is to make transportation and logistics careers accessible—and appealing—for young people, ensuring they leave school with skills in high demand. Dein’s vision has turned into a movement, fueled by federal, state, and private support.

Real Stories and Connections

Trevor McKee, an instructor with the Manitoba Trucking Association, traveled from Canada to experience the event firsthand. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “Engaging with Dave, Glenn, and their students provided a meaningful perspective on the potential direction of our own developing program. Additionally, connecting with fellow educators allowed me to gather innovative ideas and best practices that we can implement both now and in the future.” These kinds of connections aren’t just networking—they’re turning points for building a broader community of educators committed to making trucking a classroom reality.

Immersive Activities That Make a Difference

Attendees didn’t just sit through presentations—they got out of their seats and into real (and simulated) vehicles. One key exercise saw participants try to drive a golf cart while wearing “Fatal Vision” goggles. The task mimicked impaired driving, highlighting for future teachers the immediate impact of safety lessons on students. The hands-on portions of the event are meant to be unforgettable and easy to replicate, so trainers can inspire their own classes with the same sense of urgency and responsibility.

Embracing Technology in Truck Driver Training

One of the highlights was the discussion and demonstration around advanced driver training simulators, with Enrique Mar from Advanced Training Systems sharing how artificial intelligence is modernizing instruction and boosting safety. On a guided tour at PHS, educators examined the latest ATS simulators, experiencing the value of virtual reality in helping students build confidence and agility behind the wheel—well before they ever approach a real truck.

Glenn Ecalne, who teaches supply chain and financial literacy at PHS, also showcased how his program’s blend of classroom theory and practical experience sets a template for other schools. Patterson’s supply chain program provided an eye-opening example for many visitors, some of whom hope to launch similar initiatives back home.

Open Dialogue and Shared Insight

All through the event, teachers swapped stories and advice, cementing a sense of partnership. Panels included current and former students, giving educators direct feedback about what works and what doesn’t in trucking education. The event wrapped up with a Q&A session that turned into an organic brainstorming hour. As McKee succinctly shared, “I highly recommend this training to others in the field. For those already delivering similar programs, this experience offers valuable insights into the transportation, logistics, and supply chain industries.”

Commitment from Leaders and Sponsors

Backing from sponsors—including Advanced Training Systems, Tenstreet, and SambaSafety—was instrumental. Just as crucial was the enthusiastic endorsement of Dr. Reyes Gauna, superintendent of the Patterson Joint Unified School District, who assured educators: his office stands ready to help others develop robust technical and vocational curriculums.

Why Early Trucking Education Matters

With the trucking sector facing chronic driver shortages, reaching students before graduation is more important than ever. Most can’t get a commercial driver’s license while still in high school, but programs like those created by NGT offer essential exposure, technical knowledge, and hands-on safety training. Many students who have passed through these programs have gone on to earn CDLs and begin their careers in the industry.

By nurturing this early interest and equipping students with practical skills, NGT-supported schools are addressing real workforce gaps while giving young people a launchpad into one of the economy’s most essential industries.

Source: Patterson High School

The post Next Gen Trucking’s ‘Train the Trainer’ Event: Shaping the Future of Trucking Education appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This milestone is more than numbers—it’s a reflection of TCA’s continued support for education, family, and the future of trucking.

“The TCA Scholarship Fund remains one of the most valuable initiatives offered through TCA membership, providing an opportunity to give back and honor the legacy and future of the truckload industry,” said TCA Scholarship Fund Chairman Joey Hogan of Covenant Logistics. “In the face of economic challenges, we were able to provide over $176,000 in scholarship monies, which reflects TCA’s strong commitment to this important program.”

Supporting Trucking Families Since 1973

Established over five decades ago, the TCA Scholarship Fund has helped thousands of students pursue higher education. All applicants must be in good academic standing and connected to a TCA member company—whether through family, employment, or direct involvement.

Endowed Named Scholarships

Four-year university students received both named and standard awards. Here are the named scholarship recipients for 2025–26:

• Katie Pulliam – Greater Omaha Express, NAIT Scholarship – $6,250
• Aadya Menon – NFI Interactive Logistics, John Kaburick Scholarship – $4,500
• Michael Henretty Jr. – Werner Enterprises, Darrel Clark Wilson III Scholarship – $3,250
• Jorkaeff Nogales – Bennett Motor Express, Kai Norris Scholarship – $3,250
• Nicholas Farrell – Load One, Thomas Welby Scholarship – $3,250
• Joe Smith III – Western Dairy Transport, Stoney Reese Stubbs Scholarship – $3,250
• Kaden Buatte – Prime Inc., Robert Low Scholarship – $3,250
• Annika Waltenberg – Bison Transport, Robert D. Penner Scholarship – $3,250
• Jennifer Miranda – Tucker Freight Lines, Thomas R. Schilli Scholarship – $3,250
• Kalee O’Brien – Paschall Truck Lines, Thomas R. Schilli Scholarship – $3,250
• Jorleney Aguirre – Landstar Transportation Logistics, Keith Tuttle Scholarship – $3,250
• Gitali Jain – NFI Interactive Logistics, Tom Kretsinger, Jr. Scholarship – $3,250
• Emily Ritenour – Werner Enterprises, Bill Giroux Scholarship – $3,250
• Caleb Studdie – Central Oregon Truck Company, Bill Giroux Scholarship – $3,250
• Brianna Telles Fernandez – Covenant Transport Services, Bill Giroux Scholarship – $3,250

Four-Year College Scholarship Recipients – $2,725 Each

• Emma Bowden – Roehl Transport Inc.
• Kennedy Buatte – Prime Inc.
• Teigen Wormstadt – Fortune Transportation Company, Inc.
• Hong Han – Kriska Holdings
• Gurjaan Rai – Bison Transport
• Sebastian Ruiz – S&H Express
• Matthew Tlapanco – Knight-Swift Transportation
• Ganella Adams – Brown Trucking Co.
• Kaitlyn Huff – J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
• Gabrielle McClister – Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc.
• Andrea Mistichelli – NFI Interactive Logistics
• Caleb Moore – J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
• Zachary Polubinski – Spur Freight / AIT
• Hannah Sherer – Knight-Swift Transportation
• Kathrinne Sugandi – Millis Transfer, Inc.
• Jack Rogers – Don Hummer Trucking Corp
• Alec Schaublin – Thomas E. Keller Trucking, Inc.
• Brandon Stice – CFI
• Uriel Aguillon – Hendrickson
• Cooper Calvert – Paschall Truck Lines, Inc.
• Parnoor Singh Gill – Bison Transport
• Isabella Ivins – TCI Transportation Services Inc.
• Robert Tolhurst – Bison Transport
• Antonio Verdugo – TCI Transportation Services Inc.
• Brett Faccio – Buchanan Hauling & Rigging, Inc.
• Ethan Moore – Halvor Lines, Inc.
• Isaac Crespo – NFI Interactive Logistics
• Roberto Rodriguez – Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc.
• Sadisha Widyalankara – Bison Transport
• Theresa Stephens – McLeod Software
• Kevin White – Prime Inc.
• Drew Merritt – Hendrickson
• Isilma Villalta – Roehl Transport Inc.
• Firas Elkhattabi – Boyle Transportation
• Chase Gugliuzza – TCI Transportation Services Inc.
• Jeremiah Mathew – Stevens Transport Inc.
• Logan Dudley – Knight-Swift Transportation
• Kendrick Brown – NFI Interactive Logistics
• Madeline Falknor – Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc.
• Lillian Maddox – Covenant Transport Services
• Isabella Yust – CFI

Two-Year College Scholarship Recipients – $2,000 Each

• Alanna Severson – Marten Transport, Ltd.
• Carson Kunze – Grand Island Express, Inc.
• Mabel Ornelas – Arlo G. Lott Trucking, Inc.
• Lucas Brooks – Givens Transportation Inc.
• Clare Phillips – Werner Enterprises, Inc.
• Jacob Greene – Covenant Transport Services

A Fair and Comprehensive Selection Process

Scholarships were awarded through an independent review facilitated by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC). The selection committee evaluated students based on GPA, major, extracurricular involvement, work experience, and overall academic promise.

Source: The Trucker

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