Southeastern Community College Receives $4.9 Million Federal Investment to Expand Truck Driver Training

WHITEVILLE — Southeastern Community College will move forward with major upgrades to its Truck Driver Training Program after receiving a $4.9 million federal appropriation included in H.R. 5371, legislation supported by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and signed into law on Nov. 12, 2025.

The $4,905,000 investment marks one of the largest federal workforce‑training allocations in the college’s history and will allow SCC to expand capacity, improve safety, and train more students for high‑demand commercial driving careers.

Tillis said the funding strengthens job opportunities for rural residents and supports a critical industry facing nationwide shortages.

“North Carolina’s rural communities deserve strong pathways to good paying jobs, and expanding truck driver training at Southeastern Community College creates new opportunities for students and workers across the region,” Tillis said in a statement. “With a growing demand for truck drivers across the country, this investment equips more North Carolinians with in‑demand skills while supporting workforce growth and economic opportunity across our state.”

SCC President Dr. Chris English said the funding will have a long‑lasting impact on students and employers across Columbus County and Southeastern North Carolina.

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Tillis’ support in securing this investment for our Truck Driver Training Program,” English said. “This funding will open doors for more residents to access high‑quality training that leads to stable, high‑wage careers in a field that is essential to our region’s economy.”

Major Enhancements Planned

While design work is still underway, SCC expects the federal funding to support several key improvements:

• Construction of a new five‑acre driving pad to expand hands‑on training
• Integration of the pad with SCC’s new $22 million Transportation Technology and STEM Building, now under development
• Purchase of state‑of‑the‑art training equipment, including driving simulators
• Acquisition of additional trucks and trailers to meet industry demand

English said the investment reflects the strength of SCC’s partnerships and its commitment to workforce development.

“This investment reflects what is possible when strong partnerships and shared priorities come together,” he said. “We are excited about what this means for our students, our employers, and the future of workforce development in our region.”

Orientation and Free Registration

SCC will hold its next Truck Driver Training orientation on Feb. 25 in the SCC Auditorium. The program can be completed in as little as nine weeks, preparing students for immediate entry into commercial driving careers.

Thanks to special funding, registration for the upcoming class is free, removing a significant financial barrier for new students.

For more information about SCC’s Truck Driver Training Program or to attend the February 25 orientation, click here.