The Truckload Carriers Association has awarded a record-breaking $182,000 to 64 students for the 2026-27 school year through the TCA Scholarship Fund.
Since its founding in 1973, the TCA Scholarship Fund has supported the educational goals of students connected to the trucking industry. Eligible recipients are students in good standing who are enrolled in two- or four-year colleges or universities and are affiliated with TCA member companies.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for all of us,” said Mark Walker, CEO of TransLand and chairman of the TCA Scholarship Fund.
“We are honored to raise the bar once again in supporting students and investing in their future. The volume and caliber of applications this year were outstanding, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many talented, driven individuals pursuing their goals,” he continued. “We are proud to play a part in their journeys and look forward to seeing the impact they will have on our industry and beyond.”
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients, who are listed below.
Endowed, named scholarships (awarded only to four-year university recipients):
- NAIT Scholarship ($6,250): Jorleney Aguirre, Landstar Transportation
- John Kaburick Scholarship ($4,500): Isaac Crespo, NFI Industries
- Darrel Clark Wilson III Scholarship ($3,250): Kennedy Buatte, Prime Inc.
- Jim and Starla Ward Scholarship ($3,250): Wyatt Neese, Hogan Transports
- Kai Norris Scholarship ($3,250): Ganella Adams, Brown Trucking
- Keith Tuttle Scholarship ($3,250): Alec Schaublin, Thomas E. Keller Trucking
- Robert D. Penner Scholarship ($3,250): Anabella Caballero, Werner Enterprises
- Robert Low Scholarship ($3,250): Zach Polubinski, AIT Worldwide Logistics
- Stoney Reese Stubbs Scholarship ($3,250): Parnoor Gill, Bison Transport
- Thomas R. Schilli Scholarship (two recipients/$3,250 each): Jeremiah Leonard, Western Dairy Transport; and Gurjaan Rai, Bison Transport
- Thomas Welby Scholarship ($3,250): Brett Faccio, Buchanan Hauling and Rigging
- Tom Kretsinger Jr. Scholarship ($3,250): Zach Gaudette, Sibley Transport
- William Giroux Scholarship (three recipients/$3,250 each): Logan Dudley, Swift Transportation; Lily Maddox, Covenant Logistics; and Ryan Battista, NFI Industries
Four-year university scholarship recipients, $2,725 each:
- Kade Andrus, Doug Andrus Distributing
- Judah Bass, Saddle Creek Logistics
- Anika Birkelo, Royal Logistics
- Aden Brown, Prime Inc.
- Julian Chancellor, Maverick Transportation
- Sahitya Das, NFI Industries
- Christina Doucette, Werner Enterprises
- Joshua Duncan, Best Logistics Group
- Madeline Falknor, Fremont Contract Carriers
- Brody Gager, NFI Industries
- Tristen Gaulden, Maverick Transportation
- Bella Genco, Knight Transportation
- Samantha Hoffman, Firstfleet
- Paige Hudson, SMC3
- Darius Jarvis, Givens Transportation
- MacKenzy King, Marten Transport
- Erika Kraseman, Swift Transportation
- Caris Lincoln, Dana Incorporated
- Madeline Marten, Marten Transport
- Miranda Martinez, Werner Enterprises
- Jeremiah Mathew, Stevens Transport
- Orelon McNeal, SWTO
- Drew Merritt, Hendrickson
- Caleb Moore, J.J. Keller & Associates
- Ethan Moore, Halvor Lines
- Margaret Motts, Hendrickson
- Charlotte Pugh, Best Logistics Group
- Katie Pulliam, Danny Herman Trucking
- Andrew Ramirez, Lew Thompson & Sons
- Ava Reilley, NFI Industries
- Sebastian Ruiz, S&H Express
- Hannah Sherer, Knight-Swift Transportation
- Sarina Shrestha, Werner Enterprises
- Harleigh Smith, Heartland Express
- Brandon Stice, Heartland Express
- Macie Varley, Trans-System
- Demetrius Warnsley, KLLM Transport Services
- David Wiewiura, Hendrickson
- Teigen Wormstadt, Fortune Transportation
- Ryan Wyskowski, Werner Enterprises
- Isaac Yust, Heartland Express
Two-year college scholarship recipients, $2,000 each:
- Molly Garner, Big G Express
- Mabel Ornelas, Arlo G. Lott Trucking
- Jenessa Rimer, Transportation Commodities Inc. (TCI)
- Alexandria Rivera, Saddle Creek Logistics
- Megan Tyler, Hogan Transports
- Sawyer Wickesberg, J.J. Keller & Associates
How recipients were selected
The application process was managed by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. A selection committee, established by OFIC, scored the applicants, taking into consideration the applicants’ GPA, major, extracurricular activities, hours worked, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the TCA Scholarship Fund award for 2026-27?
A total of $182,000 was awarded to 64 students.
Who is eligible for the TCA Scholarship Fund?
Students must be in good standing, enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university, and affiliated with a TCA member company.
Who manages the application process?
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges manages the application and selection process.
What factors are used to select recipients?
Applicants are evaluated based on GPA, major, extracurricular activities, hours worked, and more.
Are there different scholarship types available?
Yes, including endowed named scholarships for four-year university recipients and standard awards for both two-year and four-year students.
The TCA Scholarship Fund continues to support students connected to the trucking industry through its annual scholarship program.
The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Source: The Trucker
