CANTON – A new tractor-trailer, new classes and new ways to fund license learning courses are driving SUNY Canton's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program forward without tapping the brakes. 

The college recently received a $50,000 gift from the Garrett Family Fund to purchase a blue 2016 Freightliner Cascadia 125 and new trailers for the program. It was the latest in a series of generous donations given by Carthage native and 1972 SUNY Canton graduate Donald F. (Don) Garrett and his wife, Jamie Rhoads Garrett. 

"We are honored by Don and Jamie's continued support of our college's initiatives," said Vice President for Advancement Tracey Thompson Hastings. "Their donations have paved the way for new opportunities for students in the Canino School of Engineering Technology and now will help fund our thriving continuing education and workforce development programs." 

Don was inducted into the college-wide Hall of Fame in 2022, recognizing his continuing support and career achievements.

The CDL program has expanded its classes, including CDL-B and CDL-B to A tracks, which are designed to prepare even more drivers for their license examinations. With the addition of the new truck,

The program also offers drivers the opportunity to drive and test in both manual and automatic transmissions.

"Our CDL program enhances our ongoing workforce development efforts and deepens our connection with companies seeking in-demand drivers," said Elizabeth A. Brown, executive director of the SUNY Canton Center for Workforce, Community and Industry Partnerships. "The program bolsters the growth of local businesses and contributes to the strength of our overall economy."

A new SUNY-wide initiative offers New York State tuition assistance for part-time students, which can offset the cost of attending the classes necessary to drive one of the college's two semi-tractor-trailers. Students who meet eligibility requirements may be eligible for Part-Time TAP. To qualify, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

SUNY Canton began offering CDL-A classes in 2019 and received backing from the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency in 2021. Last year, 25 drivers enrolled in the program.

More information about all the programs is available on the college's CDL Commercial Truck Driver Training page.