Workforce Solutions & Continuing Education

HCC receives $260,110 grant from ARC

Hagerstown Community College was recently awarded a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the amount of $260,110 for the Gear Up Equipment and Advanced Resources for Upgrading Professional Drivers (GEAR UP) program. With ARC’s investment, 65 students will be prepared for various careers to support the advanced transportation industry in the region.

HCC will use the funds to enhance its Commercial Vehicle Transportation Program (truck driver training). This workforce development program prepares students to take the CDL exam, through intensive training on driving techniques, road safety, vehicle inspections, and vehicle maneuvering. The goal of the project is to support economic growth by expanding and enhancing the skilled workforce in demand in the region.

HCC’s program is operated at its new D.M. Bowman Family Workforce Training Center on Northern Avenue in Hagerstown. Resources from HCC will provide an additional $260,110, bringing the total project funding to $520,220.

The ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.

More information on the workforce training programs available at HCC’s Bowman Center is available at www.hagerstowncc.edu/bci.

(October 7, 2025)