Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/655311
The Hinds program is available as an eight-week course to both daytime and eve- ning students. The curriculum includes U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations, Mississippi requirements for obtaining a commercial driver's license and hands-on tractor-trailer operation. Program graduates receive a Hinds diploma upon completion of student requirements. The KLLM Scholarships, which cover the entire cost of the Hinds driver training, are available for qualifi ed applicants who agree to a one-year period of employment with the company. Eligible applicants must be a current or prospective Hinds student who is at least 21, be a high school gradu- ate or GED recipient and meet the normal requirements for any KLLM job applicant. "We hope this scholarship will eliminate the fi nancial burden for anyone who wants to get job training but can't afford to," says Kirk Blankenship, KLLM's vice president of driver resources. "We want to give back to our community and at the same time develop a pool of new truck drivers who can go right to work for KLLM. This pro- gram serves our need for drivers and helps Mississippians who are looking for work in our industry." Hinds and KLLM recently were able to boost their training capabilities thanks to a $250,000 gift from the Walmart Founda- tion intended to help diversify the ranks of the trucking industry. The money – part of a larger $100 million commitment by the retailer to bolster workforce training, education and career pathways for retail workers nation- wide – will support training women and underserved populations who enroll in the driving academy. The money comes to Hinds via the Jack- son, Miss.-based Foundation for the Mid- South. "Walmart supported us in this plan to expand opportunities to all folks, but gave us a challenge to do it for women," said Ivye Allen, foundation president. Windy City school Last August, Prairie State College of Chicago Heights announced a partnership with KLLM Driving Academy to col- laborate on CDL training. The agreement combines the resources of PSC and KLLM to address the needs of individual students, as well as the service and industry sectors. It also is intended to ensure that Illinois has an adequate supply of skilled truck drivers with a CDL to preserve the region's competitiveness and economic opportunity in the industry. "KLLM is very excited about the partnership we have created with Prairie State College," says Jim Richards, KLLM president and chief executive offi cer. "This partnership will be very benefi cial in the training of individuals seeking to begin a career of being a professional truck driver. Our curriculum will provide individuals with the skill set to be successful, and in addition, upon completion at the academy, 6 www.FlatbedTruckingJobs.com April 2016 FLEET FOCUS The KLLM Driving Academy in Lancaster, Texas, is a new two-story 44,000-square-foot school with modern classrooms and a residence hall.