Lac qui Parle Valley High School in partnership with Dawson-Boyd High School alongside the Madison and Dawson Economic Development Authority, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Viessman Trucking, Madison Bottling Company, AGP Dawson, Bellingham Farmers Elevator, WesCon, GCC Consolidated Redi-Mix, Lac qui Parle Coop and several local farmers.

Local high school students will have the opportunity to complete the CDL training and be prepared to become licensed shortly after they turn 18 years old. Students will be recruited and supported through the training process to ensure successful completion.

Minnesota West will provide the framework, curriculum, guidance and support for all facets of the program. Their experience in this area will ensure our students’ success.

Our schools are rapidly becoming more diverse; we will ensure immigrants and non-traditional students are afforded the ability to participate in this program to include seeking language-specific training where necessary.

We plan to remove barriers for all students in an accessible and inclusive manner, providing financial support, connecting them to business mentors and introducing them to lucrative career choices in our region. Our industry partners are enthusiastic about the opportunity to build their workforce by “growing our own” workforce that will benefit our communities by supporting local families to remain in the area, contribute to the tax base and help attract new businesses to the area.

Madison and Dawson Economic Development Authorities are actively meeting with industry partners to build relationships, identify needs and solicit in-kind financial support of the overall project. EDA staff understand that local businesses depend on CDL drivers to grow and thrive.

Our industry partners have indicated their support for this project. Two partners have pledged a cash contribution to the overall program and many more are developing plans to assist with in-kind support, co-driving and additional cash contributions.

A successful project will ultimately result in industry partners engaged and willing to invest in local training needed to recruit, train, and employ local drivers.

For more information contact Kristine Shelstad.