Haywood Community College is announcing a new partnership with the The Forward Fund, an additional funding source available for students to help with tuition costs for the Truck Driving (CDL) and Lineworker programs offered at the college. 

The CDL course is a 13-week program which teaches proper driving procedures, safe driver responsibility, commercial motor vehicle laws and regulations, and the principles and practices for operating commercial vehicles. Upon course completion, students are qualified to take the Commercial Driver’s License exam to become employable by trucking firms. The next class begins April 6 with another one starting in August.

The new Lineworker program will begin soon at the college, offering students the necessary education to support their community through this high-demand field.

Both programs will not only be held at HCC’s newly constructed Outdoor Training Facility which will be open later this Spring, but both qualify for The Forward Fund (TFF) Zero-Interest Loan Program.

TFF finances short-term, high-yield training programs in critical sectors, including the skilled trades, technology, and healthcare. By facilitating access to education and training, TFF aims to empower local workers to maximize their earning potential, thus fostering economic growth and community development. 

TFF partnered with Ascent Funding to provide loan origination and servicing. Loan specifications for the zero percent private education loans available to electrical lineworkers and CDL truck driving students enrolling in eligible programs are as follows:

• Zero-Interest – no late fees, origination, or servicing fees

• $2,000 (min) to $10,000 (max)

• Three-month grace period on repayment

• 60-month loan term

• Defer repayment every three months for up to five years until earning an annualized total income of at least $45,000

“Helping individuals secure high-wage jobs raises income across the state," said Meaghan Dennison, Founder & CEO of TFF. "Higher wages are the rising tide that lifts all boats, and that’s how The Forward Fund helps build a brighter future." In addition to the Forward Fund, HCC also offers grants and scholarships for students in these two programs.

For more information about the CDL program, visit www.haywood.edu/cdl. Registration is currently open, and students can contact the program coordinator for orientation details and to get registered.