FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2025
Barstow Community College Expanding Access to High-Demand Career Pathways in the Transportation Industry
Barstow, Calif - May 21, 2025 - Barstow Community College is pleased to announce a new partnership with 160 Driving Academy, a nationally recognized leader in commercial driver education, to bring their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program to Barstow Community College.
This collaboration will make truck driver training more accessible to local students and community members interested in joining the transportation industry. While 160 Driving Academy remains the sole provider and operator of the program, Barstow Community College will offer classroom space as a resource for this expansion effort.
“At Barstow Community College, we recognize the important role that career education plays in preparing our students for today’s workforce. Whether through our own programs or by partnering with industry leaders like 160 Driving Academy, we are bringing specialized training to our campus and creating pathways that lead to in-demand careers,” said Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President of Barstow Community College.
Students will begin with 40 hours of in-person classroom instruction held at Barstow Community College and continue with 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training at the 160 Driving Academy facility. This training program combines classroom and hands-on instruction to fully prepare students for the CDL exam. Students learn safety procedures and driving regulations, then practice essential skills like inspections and maneuvering under the guidance of experienced instructors.
“We are excited to partner with Barstow Community College to make this training more accessible to individuals in the High Desert region. Our dedicated instructors work with students every step of the way, both in the classroom and in the yard, to ensure they have the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in a growing and essential industry,” said Victoria Ramos, Business Development Specialist, 160 Driving Academy Barstow.
This initiative supports the California Community Colleges' Vision 2030 plan, which emphasizes building equitable workforce development opportunities through strong industry collaboration. Vision 2030 focuses on expanding access to career education that meets labor market demands and uplifts communities.
Barstow Community College remains deeply committed to fostering community partnerships that expand educational and career opportunities throughout the High Desert. For more than a decade, its Career Education programs have equipped students with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand industries. Offering over 15 programs—including Automotive and Diesel Technology, Welding, Business, and Child Development—the College continues to serve as a regional leader in hands-on, real-world career training.
Programs like these also contribute positively to the local economy by cultivating a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet regional employment demands. As students complete their training and enter the workforce, they not only fill critical roles in industries like transportation and logistics, but also support job creation and economic growth across the High Desert.
“This kind of training directly supports economic development in Barstow. By increasing access to high-demand skills and career pathways, Barstow Community College and 160 Driving Academy are helping build a stronger, self-sustaining local economy,” said Eugene Butticci, Executive Director of the Barstow Chamber of Commerce.
“This partnership between Barstow Community College and 160 Driving Academy is helping meet local workforce needs while opening doors to careers in the trucking industry. It’s a valuable opportunity for students and community members to gain skills and build a better future, right here in Barstow,” concluded Dr. Bagg
To learn more about the CDL training program or to enroll, contact Victoria, the Branch Manager of the Barstow 160 Driving Academy at 661-899-5380 or visit 160drivingacademy.com.
About Barstow Community College
Barstow Community College (BCC) is a two-year public college in California’s high desert that serves a wide range of students from Barstow and surrounding communities, including Lenwood, Newberry Springs, Yermo, and Baker. BCC offers programs to help students transfer to four-year universities, train for careers, or improve basic skills in math, reading, and writing. The college also provides workforce training that meets local job needs and supports military personnel and their families through its center at Fort Irwin. Learn more at www.barstow.edu/.
About 160 Driving Academy
160 Driving Academy is the nation’s largest CDL training provider, with over 150 locations across 44 states. As a leading job creator for commercial drivers, the Academy offers high-quality, FMCSA-compliant training led by experienced instructors. Graduates are in high demand, earning an average starting salary of $55,990*, and benefit from job placement support and tuition assistance programs. With a strong focus on safety, personalized instruction, and career readiness, 160 Driving Academy prepares students for long-term success in the trucking industry. Learn more at www.160drivingacademy.com/.
###
Barstow Community College Media Contact:
Amanda Simpson
Barstow Community College
2700 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311
Phone: (760) 252-6727
Email: asimpson@barstow.edu
160 Media Contact:
Amy Morrone
160 Driving Academy
2 N. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 999-9773
Email: amorrone@160drivingacademy.com
