DMACC was recently awarded $73,500 through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grant program.

The funding, provided by the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is specifically designated to support veterans, children of veterans, and spouses of veterans. The CMVOST grant will fully cover CDL training costs for 15 eligible students, reducing financial barriers and expanding access to high-demand career opportunities. This initiative supports safe commercial vehicle operation while helping military-connected individuals transition into stable, in-demand civilian careers.

DMACC has been a recipient of the CMVOST grant since 2017 and is excited to continue providing tuition assistance and support to Transportation Institute students.

The commercial driving (trucking) industry continues to experience a critical shortage of qualified Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders across Iowa and the United States. CDL drivers are essential to maintaining supply chains that support agriculture, manufacturing, retail distribution, and consumer goods delivery. Demand is driven by retirement workforce, sustained freight movement, and increased reliance on regional and local delivery services.
 
Last year, DMACC completed a $9 million Transportation Institute facility designed to significantly expand CDL training capacity. This investment directly supports workforce development efforts aimed at addressing the driver shortage in Iowa and nationwide.
Why This Matters
 
Expanding CDL training capacity helps address critical workforce shortages, supports veterans and their families, enhances safety through high-quality training, and strengthens Iowa’s economy and the national supply chain by producing skilled commercial drivers.
 
Apply Now
Veterans Grant online application:
DMACC CDL Training Grant - Veterans and Current Military – Fill out form