ICYMI: Signal Akron highlights Husted’s efforts to secure funding for Stark State CDL program, helping Ohioan double salary

“‘This program gave me opportunities I didn’t know were possible,’ said Pitre, who is from Carrollton, a rural community about an hour southeast of Akron.” COLUMBUS – An article from Signal Akron highlights Sen. Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) efforts to secure $875,000 for Stark State College’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Instruction Center to support the construction of classrooms, offices, a computer lab and workspace for students. Husted visited Stark State last month to see the CDL facility and meet with students. Key excerpts from the article include: “Chase Pitre wanted a better way to support his family. He’s a husband-to-be and the father of a 2-year old. So he signed up for Stark State College’s commercial driver’s license program.” . . . “Upon completing the five-week course, Pitre was hired at Marathon, where, for the past two and a half months, he’s transported crude oil across Ohio and into West Virginia. He said he more than doubled his previous salary working in emergency medical services.” . . . “‘This program gave me opportunities I didn’t know were possible,’ said Pitre, who is from Carrollton, a rural community about an hour southeast of Akron.” . . . “The new-look facility was supported by a $875,000 grant secured earlier this year.” . . . “Pitre spent last Thursday at his old mobile classroom, discussing opportunities the program gave him. He also thanked Sen. Jon Husted — he visited an ongoing class to speak with students about the importance of trucking jobs — for helping secure the grant for the new building.” . . . “During Husted’s visit, Stark State President Para Jones thanked him and the GAR Foundation for contributing to the new facility, which breaks ground next month.” . . . “Husted also advocated for the use of federal Pell grants to help lower-income students access workforce education.”