The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) — An innovative partnership between Jackson River Technical Center (JRTC) and Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is creating new career pathways for high school students by offering early access to industry-recognized credentials in a high-demand field.
This spring, five Alleghany High School (AHS) seniors became the first participants in a groundbreaking initiative that allowed them to earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A from a community college at a significantly reduced tuition rate, while still in high school. The program is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and can serve as a model for workforce-focused collaboration between public schools and
community colleges.
Through this innovative partnership, eligible AHS seniors can enroll in MGCC’s CDL training course, gaining the skills and certification required to begin careers in the growing field of commercial transportation. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to progress through the curriculum at their own pace while CDL instructors coordinate schedules around the students’ high school commitments.
More than a local workforce development effort, the program is a strategic response to a national shortage of qualified commercial drivers, and it gives students a head start in a field that offers job security, upward mobility, and strong earning potential right out of high school.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for truck drivers, bus drivers and couriers involved in transportation and material transport is expected to see approximately 1.9 million job openings per year through 2033. A shortage of 60,000 to 80,000 drivers is ongoing and could reach 160,000 by 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says. This makes hiring new drivers, including high school graduates, a top priority for carriers and schools.
Seeing a prime opportunity for high school seniors planning to enter the workforce after graduation, JRTC Principal Josh Craft and Dr. Matt McGraw, Mountain Gateway’s Chief Workforce Officer, began to envision a joint CDL training program.
“This collaboration between Alleghany Highlands Public Schools and MGCC was sparked from a general conversation between Dr. Matt McGraw and me during which we brainstormed general ideas on how JRTC and the college could work together to provide additional creative, nontraditional opportunities for high school students that could expand their marketability as they enter the workforce,” Craft said.
“Several ideas were proposed during that conversation, but I am very pleased that the CDL-A partnership developed in such a short period of time. I’m proud of our first five AHS seniors who took advantage of the opportunity; this accomplishment will unlock many workforce options for them within weeks of graduating high school,” Craft added.
The inaugural group includes Logan Kibbe, Brandon Nickell, Calvin Craft, Conner Curtis, and Brayden Wolfe. All five students have earned their learner’s permits and are currently completing behind-the-wheel training. Once they meet the required number of supervised driving hours, they will take the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ written and practical driving exams. All of the AHS graduates are expected to complete the program and receive their CDL Class A licenses by the end of July.
To qualify, students must be at least 18 years old, enrolled as seniors at Alleghany High School, and hold a valid Virginia driver’s license with no significant driving infractions.
The program combines hands-on driver training with academic instruction, leading to a credential that can immediately translate into employment.
Entry-level CDL Class A drivers can expect competitive starting salaries, with additional income potential through bonuses, overtime, and advancement into roles in logistics, transportation management, or specialized freight. According to the latest government estimates, entry level pay for new drivers with a CDL and no prior experience ranges between $40,000 and $55,000 annually.
“This partnership is a prime example of how educational institutions can strategically collaborate to meet the urgent demands of our workforce,” said McGraw. “We’re not just offering a course; we’re building a direct pipeline for our high school students into a high-demand, high-wage career, addressing a critical national shortage while simultaneously empowering our local youth.” This forward-thinking partnership between JRTC and MGCC can become a model for similar initiatives across Virginia. By equipping students with job-ready skills before they graduate, the program not only prepares them for success, it also helps fill critical workforce gaps in the trucking and logistics sectors.
As the initiative grows, it stands to become a blueprint for how local school divisions and community colleges can work together to give students a meaningful head start on successful careers. By providing real-world training and industry-recognized credentials, the partnership between Alleghany Highlands Public Schools and MGCC is helping young people build strong, sustainable futures while supporting economic development in the community.
About Jackson River Technical Center: Jackson River Technical Center is dedicated to preparing high school students for success in both the workforce and postsecondary education. Through hands-on, career-focused programs and strategic partnerships with industry and higher education, JRTC delivers high-quality technical education that equips students with the skills, certifications, and experience needed to thrive in today’s job market.
About Mountain Gateway Community College: Mountain Gateway Community College is a two-year public college in Virginia offering affordable, accessible education through on-site and online courses. It supports lifelong learning, career readiness, and personal growth, while serving community and workforce needs through partnerships, events, and student support services.
