The Trucking Cares Foundation, a trucking industry’s charitable arm, donated $25,000 to South Dallas Driving Academy, a non-profit that provides free driver education courses to low-income teens and young adults.
TCF previously donated $15,000 in seed money to SDDA, which helped launch the program in 2021, and an additional $20,000 in 2023 as part of TCF’s ongoing support of the program.
“The South Dallas Driving Academy has been instrumental in removing roadblocks to rewarding careers in trucking. Providing young Texans with the tools they need to succeed empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and build a bright future for themselves and their families,” said Phil Byrd, chairman of the Trucking Cares Foundation. “This organization has grown exponentially in such a short time. It is truly amazing to witness. The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to continue our support of this transformative program that invests in the next generation of our industry.”
“When so much of our energy at the South Dallas Driving Academy is focused on helping young men and women overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers entering our industry, the continued support of ATA leadership and the Trucking Cares Foundation is incredibly encouraging,” said Chris Petersen, VP of Rally Fleet Services and chair of SDDA. “I will always remember ATA Chairman Andrew Boyle’s emphatic endorsement of our vision when we first presented the concept just over three years ago. Shortly thereafter, TCF began its support of our program. Thanks in large part to TCF’s support, SDDA has expanded from a 7-student pilot program to one that has graduated 110 Class C and 5 Class A drivers in the past 14 months. TCF’s ongoing sponsorship will ensure that we can continue providing these crucial life credentials so we can help fill the pipeline of the next generation of trucking professionals.”
