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CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov
 

May 15, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Today, state, city and trucking industry leaders recognized the first cohort of incarcerated individuals to receive a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through a partnership with Hill Brothers Pro-Fleet CDL Driving Academy in Omaha. This initiative aims to provide job training and support to individuals as they return to the community after incarceration.

“This partnership recognizes the potential of the men and women reentering our communities after incarceration,” said Director Rob Jeffreys. “These individuals possess remarkable talents and a genuine desire to succeed. Businesses are increasingly realizing this and partnering with us to provide opportunities for meaningful employment as part of our TRANSFORM Nebraska efforts.”

A townhall was held in January at the Community Corrections Center – Lincoln (CCC-L) with more than 70 interested individuals. Five students were selected for the inaugural cohort and began orientation on April 15. These individuals completed the same training process as all students at Pro-Fleet, including classroom training, backing requirements, on the road training and testing.

“This is proof-positive of what can be achieved through public-private partnerships,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Our hope would be to have this program grow -- enabling more incarcerated individuals to have an opportunity for training in a career that supports their reentry, their families and connects them in a positive way to their communities.”

This program is supported through the City of Lincoln’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Lincoln has allocated nearly 30% of their ARPA fund to workforce development programs, including the emerging local need to credential more individuals with CDLs. 

According to the American Jobs Center, the median wage for CLD holders in Lincoln is $84,410. 

“From financial and time investment, to maximum earning potential, there is no other job that compares to being a professional truck driver,” said Al Hill, president of Hill Brothers and chairman of the Nebraska Trucking Association. “Today, we all take a moment to celebrate programs like this that will create more CDL drivers right here in Nebraska, which in turn helps all Nebraska companies.” 

Additional CDL cohorts will begin this summer.