Collaborative effort, grant funding fuels success of local school-to-work CDL students

A dozen high school students from Butte, Whitehall, Jefferson, and Dillon are enrolled in the Highlands College School-to-Work Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program this semester.

The School-to-Work program concurrently enrolled four Butte High students in the CDL program at Highlands College, allowing students to graduate high school with a valuable commercial driver’s license.Students can also earn a 12-credit certificate in Commercial Truck Driving that emphasizes soft skills necessary to be successful in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy and tractor trailer drivers earned a media wage of $57,440 per year in 2024.

“This is an amazing opportunity for high school students to earn their Class A CDL while still in school,” Highlands College Director of Community Education and Partnerships Kinsley Bennett said. “It’s an in-demand, high-wage credential that will serve them for the rest of their lives. No matter where life takes them, they will always have the ability to find meaningful employment. It also demonstrates dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning.”

Butte High was able to allocate Montana Advanced Opportunities grant funds toward the tuition and fees for several students. The Montana Advanced Opportunities Grant is a state-funded program that provides financial support for middle and high school students to take part in career and technical education courses, dual enrollment classes, industry-recognized certification programs, and other advanced learning opportunities that prepare them for college and the workforce.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Advanced Opportunities grant and the doors it opens for our students,” Butte School District Curriculum Director Ron Ricketts said. “Being able to cover CDL program fees through Highlands College removes financial barriers and gives students direct access to meaningful career pathways, equipping them with real-world skills that will benefit both their futures and our community.”

For students in the program, the grant has made a profound impact. Butte High student Franki Salusso enrolled with the future in mind.

“I would have still enrolled, even if I had to pay for it,” Salusso said. “Getting a CDL is a valuable skill that opens up real job opportunities right after high school. It’s something that can provide financial stability and independence, so I think it would be worth the investment.”

Salusso plans to use her CDL to earn money while continuing her education. She intends to study biochemistry at Montana Tech, with an eventual goal of becoming a veterinarian. While it was challenging to learn the technical details, and remembering everything for inspections and driving procedures, Salusso said she feels well prepared to work on the road.

“The instructors are very knowledgeable and patient,” she said. “They take the time to make sure everyone understands all of the hands-on driving skills. Overall, the program is well-structured and gives a good balance of learning and real-world experience.”

For more information about the Highlands College School-to-Work program, contact Kinsley Bennett at krafish@mtech.edu or 406-496-4684.