Temple College Receives $2.09 Million Federal Grant
TEMPLE, Texas — Temple College has been awarded $2,093,000 from the U.S. Department of Education through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) to launch and expand its Driving Forward: Accelerated Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Refrigerated Logistics Training Program.
Temple College was one of only 18 institutions nationwide selected through a highly competitive process that included major two-year college systems and other higher education institutions. This investment positions the College at the forefront of workforce innovation while directly addressing critical labor shortages across Central Texas and surrounding rural communities.
“This is a milestone moment for Temple College and our region,” said DeDe Griffith, Vice President of Workforce Development at Temple College. “This project will expand access to high-demand, high-wage careers while strengthening the economic vitality of Central Texas.”
Driving Forward: Meeting Workforce Needs Head-On
The Driving Forward program is a strategic response to the growing shortage of skilled truck drivers and refrigerated logistics professionals. According to Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, there are more than 10,000 open jobs in the regional trucking sector, with an average annual wage of $50,454. Demand for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the region exceeds national averages, underscoring the urgency for expanded training capacity.
A cornerstone of this initiative is Temple College’s strong partnership with Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. The College’s President serves on the workforce board, reflecting a shared commitment to data-driven decision-making and regional workforce alignment.
Temple College also maintains longstanding partnerships with freight and logistics employers across the region. For years, these employers have identified the need for a scalable, in-house CDL training program. Historically, high equipment costs required reliance on third-party providers—limiting access for many students. This FIPSE award eliminates that barrier and enables Temple College to deliver affordable, high-quality CDL training directly.
Expanding Opportunity Through Specialized Training
In addition to accelerated CDL training, Driving Forward will introduce a specialized refrigerated logistics certificate designed to meet the needs of temperature-controlled supply chains. This 40-hour credential equips students with skills in HVACR systems for mobile refrigeration units and localized cold storage operations.
Graduates of this specialization can realize an additional $1,000 to $2,000 in annual earnings. Labor market data indicate an average of 125 monthly job postings for refrigerated logistics roles, demonstrating strong and sustained employer demand.
“You can expect to see Temple College trucks on the road as early as fall 2026,” Griffith added. “That visibility represents more than a program launch—it signals a new, direct connection between our students and the workforce needs of this region.”
Regional Impact
This initiative will expand economic mobility for students, strengthen talent pipelines for employers, and support continued economic growth across Central Texas—particularly in rural communities where access to workforce training has historically been limited and employer demand continues to rise.
This initiative also creates new opportunities for collaboration among community colleges across Texas, laying the groundwork for a more connected, statewide talent pipeline in transportation and logistics, including scalable pathways that extend into rural and underserved regions.
“This investment is transformational,” Griffith added. “By aligning education, workforce, and industry, Temple College is driving forward opportunity—not just for our students, but for the entire region and the state of Texas.”