FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sonji Joyner
Communications Manager, Office of Communications
Prince George’s Community College
joynersr@pgcc.edu
Largo, MD (January 30, 2026) — Prince George's Community College (PGCC) has been awarded an $870,000 Department of Labor congressionally directed spending grant to expand its Transportation Pathway program. The funding will allow the College to grow its Commercial Driver License (CDL) program into a comprehensive pathway serving up to 65 students through accelerated licensure and a certification-to-degree option.
The demand for commercial drivers remains high nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking employment will grow 6% by 2030, with nearly 250,000 job openings each year, even as the industry faces a shortage of approximately 80,000 drivers.
The expanded program will include the purchase of five CDL simulators, allowing students to practice real-world driving scenarios in a safe, controlled environment before operating commercial vehicles.
For PGCC students like Josseline Hernandez, the program has been life-changing. “I was struggling for months to find an affordable school and nearly gave up on my dream,” Hernandez said. “With the support I received through this program, I passed my CDL test on my first try. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for what this program means for our community.”
This expanded initiative will help address the regional driver shortage, reduce unemployment in Prince George’s County, and position PGCC as a leader in workforce development and transportation training. For more information about the program, visit pgcc.edu.
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About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance, designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC comprises students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
For more information, visit the College’s website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org/. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education.
Prince George’s Community College’s Nondiscrimination Statement affirms the College’s commitment to comply with all applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws.