FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sonji Joyner
Communications Manager, Office of Communications
joynersr@pgcc.edu
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Visits Prince George's Community College
PGCC Awarded $173,640 in Transportation Department's Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Grant Program Funding
LARGO, Md. (Wednesday, October 11) U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) on Wednesday, October 11, to highlight the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that expands job opportunities in the trucking industry for veterans, military, those in refugee and underserved communities, and others. PGCC was awarded $173,640 in funding as part of the Transportation Department’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grant program.
Established by Congress in 2005, the CMVOST grant program aims to expand the number of current and former military personnel, members of underserved communities as defined by Federal Executive Order 13958, and refugees receiving CMVOST training to reduce the severity and number of crashes on U.S. roads involving commercial motor vehicles.
Dr. Sherrie Johnson, Vice President of External Affairs, Communications, and Advancement at the College, gave welcoming remarks. “Today, we are honored to receive a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Program award that will benefit so many of our students interested in the transportation industry. In fiscal year 2023, the PGCC transportation, distribution, and logistics departments trained over 500 students and since the new fiscal year, July 1, we have enrolled 300 students,” Dr. Johnson said.
PGCC is committed to road safety through its transportation and distribution programs, which include CDL, driver education, and motorcycle safety and licensing. This funding directly impacts the College’s CDL program in service of its students.
“Today’s announcements are significant milestones in the College’s fulfillment of its strategic goal to reimagine workforce innovation and strategic partnerships to boost initiatives in community advancement,” said Barbara McCreary, Program Director of Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and former Representative Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania joined the Secretary for a news conference to celebrate the Department of Transportation’s investments in the trucking industry’s future in Maryland and nationwide. They took a tour of the College’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A and B program and spoke with students. Students in PGCC’s program have a 100% completion rate.
Former Representative Murphy, who is also the chairman of the Task Force Movement, spoke about the importance of getting more veterans in the trucking industry. “We’ve raised over $15 million to provide scholarships to get veterans, disadvantaged Americans, and disadvantaged communities opportunities. And today is about access to opportunity.”
Following his remarks, Governor Moore addressed the importance of these partnerships with the Department of Transportation and community colleges for Maryland and its residents. “What today represents is pathways,” Governor Moore said. “Pathways and opportunities in making sure that every single person in our state is going to be seen and heard.”
James Brackin, a U.S. veteran and CDL graduate of the College, explained how the program will help him give back to the community. He also introduced Secretary Buttigieg.
“I pursued the CDL program at PGCC in pursuit of my quest to build modern-looking, affordable housing in my hometown,” Brackin said. “Now having my own Class A commercial driver’s license … I can directly impact supply transportation costs of [construction projects] which I will also act as a general contractor over. I am one step closer to achieving that goal.”
“This is a great day for us because we believe in community colleges, we believe in veterans, and we believe in the importance of trucking for the country, our economic security, and our future,” Secretary Buttigieg said. “We are so excited to recognize and celebrate the drivers who are such a critical part of America’s supply chain and economy.”
Secretary Buttigieg also spoke about the success of the College’s CDL program and how the grant award will benefit PGCC students. “This funding will pay for dozens of students to get six weeks of hands-on, one-on-one training. The students who train here have an outstanding completion rate going on to find work in the trucking industry … all of this is coming through President Biden’s historic infrastructure law.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal was signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden in November 2021. With a strong focus on infrastructure and economic investment, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $550 billion in federal investment over fiscal years 2022 through 2026 in the nation’s infrastructure, including the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to support projects to reduce traffic fatalities.
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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 is comprised of 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.