Arkansas has tuition help for trainees

A new Arkansas program will provide up to $3,500 in tuition and expenses to residents who train for the trucking industry and stay in the state and the industry a year.

Effective from July 2007 to June 30, 2009, the program provides $9 million to 11 state college campuses through the state Department of Workforce Services to help students pay for tuition, housing, meals, travel and equipment.

Qualified applicants must get a full-time job in trucking, transportation or logistics and work at it for a full year. Those who don’t meet these terms have to repay the grant.

The program is funded through SB 703 — introduced by state Sen. Jack Critcher, D-Batesville — which became law April 4.