Indian Capital Technology Center

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Truck Driver Training Program at Indian Capital Technology Center is designed to address the supply chain demands by increasing the number of drivers for the trucking industry. If the current trends hold, the shortage could rise to more than 160,000 for 2030. There is no single cause of the shortage, but some of the indicators include: an aging truck driver population; an under-representation of women who make up only 7% of drivers; and justice-involved populations. Additionally, a federally mandated minimal age of 21 is required to drive across state lines which negatively impacts the number of drivers. The ICTC class is designed to address these barriers and provide participants the opportunity for training and gain self-sufficiency. The training is affordable, accessible and provides small, specialized classes of 10 to 12 students lasting approximately 5 weeks. It is complete and comprehensive training stressing safety and professionalism in every aspect. Students learn through classroom and online training, instructional videos plus behind the wheel driving on private and public roadways. Once the student has completed the course and passed the test, ICTC has developed partnerships with local companies for on-the-job (OJT) training to ensure the success of our drivers.

EVIDENCE

National and state data suggests that transportation is a significant barrier to employment and training. ?Because of the high expense of car ownership?estimated upwards of $9000 per year---many low-income people are excluded from this opportunity.? Indian Capital Technology Center serves a rural district located in a HUB Zone with a significant population of socially disadvantaged underserved communities. This demographic experienced the poverty- transportation barrier prior to the pandemic, and has remained effected by the national crisis. This driver of change will positively impact access to affordable training; thereby leading to successful outcomes and a robust workforce for the transportation industry.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

This short-term credential-based training organically serves socially disadvantaged and underserved communities inherent to our geographic location. The funding requested will provide the required equipment to implement a quality affordable program that leads to potential earnings greater than median wages in our region. The average annual earnings in the Eastern Oklahoma Workforce Development Area, As well as the average annual earnings for each county, are below the average for the State. Average annual earnings as a whole are $44,881; while average earnings for the State are $54,560. This represents a 21.5% gap. Additionally, our earnings are historically below the state average, and this type of training will positively impact the earnings gap experienced in our area. At 20.4% of the population, Native Americans are significantly over-represented in the area compared with the Oklahoma statewide portrayal of 8.3%. This racial disparity between the area and the state would be e

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Indian Capital Technology Center has internal controls to include written policies, procedures, standards of conduct, record keeping and retention procedures to ensure compliance. Additionally, we have accounting policies and procedures to manage risk and financial requirements. Successful performance will be measured by a first-year enrollment goal of 100 participants, 90% completion rate and 70% pass rate of the CDL examination.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma