蘑菇tv

蘑菇tv is proud and deeply grateful to announce a $4.9 million federal appropriation that will significantly expand and strengthen the college鈥檚 Truck Driver Training Program. The federal funding was included in the federal bill H.R. 5371 supported by Senator Tillis, which was signed into law on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

This $4,905,000 investment represents a major step forward for 蘑菇tv and for Columbus County. Truck Driver Training continues to be one of the most in demand workforce programs in Southeastern North Carolina, and this funding will allow the college to increase capacity, enhance safety, and provide even more residents with access to career changing training.

鈥淣orth Carolina鈥檚 rural communities deserve strong pathways to good paying jobs, and expanding truck driver training at 蘑菇tv creates new opportunities for students and workers across the region,鈥� said Senator Tillis. 鈥淲ith a growing demand for truck drivers across the country, this investment equips more North Carolinians with in demand skills while supporting workforce growth and economic opportunity across our state.鈥�

蘑菇tv President Dr. Chris English shared his appreciation for the support behind the funding.

鈥淲e are deeply grateful for Senator Tillis鈥� support in securing this investment for our Truck Driver Training Program. This funding will open doors for more residents to access high quality training that leads to stable, high wage careers in a field that is essential to our region鈥檚 economy. As a community college committed to workforce development, these resources will allow us to expand opportunities, strengthen our local workforce, and support businesses across Southeastern North Carolina. We look forward to welcoming Senator Tillis and his team to campus in the future to celebrate the impact this investment will make on Columbus County.鈥�

While project timelines and final designs are still being developed, 蘑菇tv anticipates this funding will support several transformative enhancements to the program. Plans include the development of a new five acre driving pad designed to elevate hands on training opportunities for students. The driving pad will be connected to the college鈥檚 new $22 million Transportation Technology and STEM Building, currently under development on 蘑菇tv鈥檚 78 acre expansion site.

The funding will also allow 蘑菇tv to purchase state of the art equipment that could include the addition of simulators that expand training capacity while improving safety and instructional quality. In addition, the college will acquire additional trucks and trailers to meet growing industry demand and ensure students are trained on modern equipment.

鈥淭his investment reflects what is possible when strong partnerships and shared priorities come together,鈥� said Dr. English. 鈥淲e are excited about what this means for our students, our employers, and the future of workforce development in our region.鈥�

蘑菇tv remains committed to opening doors for its community through powerful partnerships and workforce focused education. This federal investment reinforces 蘑菇tv鈥檚 role as a driving force in building a skilled, job ready workforce that keeps Southeastern North Carolina moving forward.

In addition to these long term investments, 蘑菇tv is excited to invite prospective students to the next Truck Driver Training orientation on February 25 in the 蘑菇tv Auditorium. The Truck Driver Training program can be completed in as little as nine weeks, preparing students for in demand careers in a short timeframe.

Thanks to special and limited funding, registration for the next Truck Driver Training class is free, removing a major financial barrier for individuals ready to take the next step toward a high demand career.

For more information about 蘑菇tv鈥檚 Truck Driver Training Program or to attend the February 25 orientation, click here.