NTI Graduates Receive $2,000 John Austin Trucking Foundation Grants
Starting a career in trucking can create new opportunities, but the cost of CDL training may prevent some people from taking the first step.
The John Austin Trucking Foundation is working to change that by providing financial assistance to Maine residents pursuing careers in trucking—and Northeast Technical Institute students have already seen the benefits.
Two recent NTI graduates, Sagelee Dube and Christopher Brown, were each awarded a $2,000 training grant from the John Austin Trucking Foundation to help offset the cost of their CDL training.
Their success shows that financial assistance for CDL training is available and that completing a strong application can lead to meaningful support.
What Is the John Austin Trucking Foundation?
The John Austin Trucking Foundation was created by the Maine Motor Transport Association, also known as MMTA, to help address one of the trucking industry’s biggest challenges: attracting and developing qualified, professional workers.
The foundation is named in honor of John Austin, a respected trucking industry leader who dedicated his time and energy to improving the industry and encouraging others to reach their full potential.
Funding for the foundation comes from private contributions made by members of Maine’s trucking community.
Unlike a student loan, an award from the John Austin Trucking Foundation is considered a gift. Selected recipients do not have to repay the money.
Eligible applicants may receive a one-time grant of up to $2,000, and the foundation may award as many as eight grants per month.
NTI Graduate Sagelee Dube Receives a $2,000 Grant
Sagelee Dube of Sabattus recently completed the CDL-B Truck Driver Training program at Northeast Technical Institute.
During her training, Sagelee demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and performed well during both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
Her connection to the trucking industry began at a young age. Sagelee grew up watching her father work as a professional truck driver and developed an appreciation for the important role drivers play in Maine’s economy.
As a single mother of three, she pursued CDL training to expand her career opportunities, create greater stability for her family, and begin a career in an industry she had admired for years.
Recommendation letters submitted with her application described her as dependable, professional, organized, resilient, and committed to following through on her responsibilities.
The John Austin Trucking Foundation awarded Sagelee a $2,000 training grant to help offset the cost of her CDL education at NTI.
NTI Graduate Christopher Brown Also Earns a $2,000 Grant
Christopher Brown of Greene completed the CDL-A Truck Driver Training program at Northeast Technical Institute.
Christopher graduated with an overall grade of 97, earning A grades in his core commercial driving courses.
He chose commercial driving because of the opportunity to build a stable, long-term career in an industry that values safety, responsibility, professionalism, and dedication.
Those who recommended Christopher described him as dependable, resilient, thoughtful, and willing to learn. His application demonstrated that he was serious about using his training to build a better future and contribute to Maine’s transportation industry.
Christopher was also selected to receive a $2,000 John Austin Trucking Foundation training grant.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The John Austin Trucking Foundation supports training and education directly connected to Maine’s trucking industry.
Depending on the program and the applicant’s goals, funds may be used toward:
Class A CDL training
Class B CDL training
Hazmat endorsements
Tanker endorsements
Doubles and triples endorsements
Commercial vehicle or equipment technician programs
Heavy-equipment training
Other credentials, certificates or degrees related to trucking
The foundation’s goal is to help people already working in trucking advance their careers while also helping new workers enter the industry.
Who May Receive Preference?
Applicants must generally be Maine residents living in Maine or be employed in Maine by a company with a significant presence in the state.
Selection preference may be given to:
Applicants who could not otherwise afford training
Graduating high school seniors
Active-duty military members
Veterans with an honorable discharge
Applicants connected to an MMTA member company
Applicants whose training is likely to benefit Maine’s trucking industry
Awards are not automatic. The selection committee reviews the information provided by each applicant, including the effort, detail, and completeness of the application.
How to Strengthen Your Application
The stories of Sagelee and Christopher demonstrate that the foundation is looking for more than someone who simply fills out a form.
Applicants should be prepared to clearly explain:
Why they want to enter the trucking industry
How the training will improve their future
Why financial assistance is needed
How they plan to use their CDL or credential
How their career may benefit Maine’s trucking workforce
What makes them a responsible and dependable candidate
Recommendation letters may also help demonstrate an applicant’s work ethic, character, professionalism, and commitment.
Before submitting an application, carefully review every section and make sure all required information is included. MMTA states that incomplete applications or applications that do not follow the instructions may be disregarded.
When Are Applications Reviewed?
Applications generally close at 5 p.m. on the final business day of each month.
The committee reviews applications submitted during the previous month, and applicants are generally notified of the decision within two weeks of the monthly deadline.
Selected recipients receive additional instructions explaining what documentation must be provided after completing training. This may include proof of training completion, training costs, and Maine residency or qualifying Maine employment.
Applicants should verify current deadlines and requirements directly with the Maine Motor Transport Association before applying.
NTI Can Help You Begin Your CDL Career
The success of Sagelee Dube and Christopher Brown shows what can happen when motivated students combine quality CDL training with the financial resources available through Maine’s trucking community.
While NTI cannot guarantee that a student will receive an outside grant, our team can help prospective students explore their CDL training options and better understand the resources that may be available.
NTI offers commercial driver training designed to help students develop the knowledge, behind-the-wheel experience, safety awareness, and professional skills needed to pursue careers in transportation.
Whether you are interested in earning a Class A CDL or Class B CDL, your next career may be closer than you think.
Ready to explore CDL training at Northeast Technical Institute?
Contact NTI today to learn more about upcoming classes, admissions requirements, available funding resources, and the steps involved in beginning your commercial driving career.
John Austin Trucking Foundation grants are administered and awarded independently by the Maine Motor Transport Association. Award amounts, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and selection criteria are subject to change. Grant approval is not guaranteed.
