Katy ISD to offer commercial driver’s license program for students next fall

HOUSTON - Starting next fall, Katy ISD students will have the opportunity to take their first step toward a possible future career.

Rising eleventh-grade students who will be turning 18 at Katy ISD and are interested in getting their commercial driver's license, will be able to do so through the district's new CDL Student Training and Licensing Program.

The new program is due to a partnership with Katy ISD's Raines Academy and Rio Grande Valley Services LLC.

KATY: Katy ISD cancels author Emma Straub's visit for repeated use of the 'F' word

The Raines Academy CDL program will provide training and licensing for Class A, with no additional endorsement, or also Class A with a Class B Passenger/School Bus Endorsement.

The question of allowing 18 to 20-year-olds truck drivers to cross state lines

Thousands of teens are expected to take to the roads in big rigs across the country through a new federal program set to make teens into truckers. FOX 26's Chelsea Edwards explains how recruiting young drivers could help meet a growing shortage.

"With access to one of the world’s largest ports serving the region, the state of Texas, and the United States, along with multiple warehouses in the Katy area, this program is an excellent opportunity for our students to explore this lucrative career locally," said Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski. "Through this partnership, Katy ISD will be providing students with free training that can lead to job opportunities after graduation and will ultimately assist with the current supply needs across the country."

READ MORE STORIES ABOUT KATY

According to the employment website Indeed, the average salary for a truck driver is $81,999 per year,

Those interested can attend the CDL informational programs being held across Katy ISD high school campuses.