Two educational systems came together Wednesday on the campus of ASU Three Rivers to unveil Arkansas’ first and only public trucking academy. The Arkansas Trucking Academy (ArkTA) is a consortium of ASU Three Rivers, UA Cossatot, UA Rich Mountain, and UA Hope/Texarkana.

Speaking at today’s launch was Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, “This is another pace-setting workforce solution that has grown out of conversations between leaders in industry and education. Arkansas’s businesses had a problem, our educators stepped in to fill it, and we are able to support it with an Arkansas Regional Workforce grant. It’s a model for partnerships between the private sector and government. Because of that, we soon will be putting more trucks on the road with first-rate drivers at the wheel.”

New classes will begin on the campuses located in Nashville, Mena, Malvern, and Hope. Through the use of virtual/simulation instruction, traditional classroom, and practical over-the-road instruction, students will receive 160 contact hours of non-credit training per course. Successful completion of the course will prepare students to test for their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A total of 20 courses will be offered annually, five courses per college. Slots are limited to four students per course. The maximum cost per student is $1,300, saving students thousands compared to the cost of a private academy.

With the increased demand in the trucking industry, ArkTA co-chair and UA Rich Mountain Chancellor Phillip Wilson said that he is grateful for the partnership across two systems to bring this program into fruition. “Creating opportunities and growing Arkansas’ workforce is always a top priority in Arkansas community colleges,” added Wilson, who also serves as chair of the Arkansas Community Colleges association.

The first course will begin August 2. For more information or to apply, visit: ArkTruckingAcademy.com.