by Women In Trucking Staff, on Jul 27, 2026
The road to a career in trucking doesn’t always begin behind the wheel. Sometimes it starts at a truck stop, in a high school diesel shop, or after a life-changing conversation with a friend. For many, this journey is being made possible through the Women In Trucking Foundation (WITF) Scholarship Program.
Since launching its scholarship initiative in 2011, WITF has invested in the future of the industry by helping women pursue careers in driving, diesel technology, safety, leadership, and other transportation-related fields, according to Kathleen Roseman, Vice President Fleet Sales with TravelCenters of America and WITF Board Chair.
“What began as a commitment to strengthen education in trucking has grown into a powerful force for workforce development,” she says.
To date, WITF has raised more than $385,000 and awarded over 385 scholarships, creating opportunities for women at every stage of their careers. Those scholarships are made possible through the generosity of industry leaders, foundations, organizations, and individual donors who recognize that investing in people is investing in the future of transportation.
Among the Foundation’s supporters are companies such as C.H. Robinson, PACCAR, Pilot, Ryder, UPS, Truckstop, Walmart, TravelCenters of America, Sentry, WEX, Continental, Covenant, Southeastern Freight Lines, CloneOps.ai, and many others who share a commitment to advancing education and opportunity throughout the industry.
More Than a CDL
While professional truck driver training remains a popular pathway, WITF’s scholarships extend beyond this career path. Scholarship recipients pursue training and educational programs that include technician careers, safety positions, management and leadership development.
Each scholarship is awarded in $1,000 increments and paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution. Scholarship recipients also receive a one-year membership to the Women In Trucking Association, connecting them with resources, networking opportunities, and industry support.
Applications are accepted twice annually, with scholarship cycles opening each spring and fall. The next application period begins August 1, 2026.
Meet Spring 2026 Scholarship Recipients
The impact of these scholarships is perhaps best understood through the stories of the women whose careers they help launch.
Lisa Williams (Career Path: Professional Truck Driver) recently decided on a trucking career to achieve independence and to advance her next career. It all started when she was working alongside her sister, cleaning at a truck stop where she met some inspiring women in the industry. The desire to travel to different states has interested her for years, but she couldn’t afford to travel due to her financial situation and being a young mother raising two children. With both of her children now grown, she is finally able to take steps toward pursuing her goals.
Yarrow Farnsworth (Career Path: Professional Truck Driver) feels that to survive in today’s economy, one must have a diverse skill set. Getting her CDL-A has been one of her goals. She now finds herself at a crossroads to commit to it and explore a new career adventure in trucking. She anticipates the overall impact will be a sense of fulfillment, independence, and new opportunities.
Xen Reddell (Career Path: Technician) currently is working toward being a mobile diesel mechanic. As a senior in high school, she feels lucky to have found a career path she both loves and is in high demand. She has a passion for mechanics and intends to pursue a fulfilling career to help others. She desires to fix diesel engines for the people in her community and provide services that she would otherwise not be able to provide without technical training.
Sabrina Pearce (Career Path: Leadership) was introduced to trucking by a friend during a time when she was searching for stable work and a new direction. What began as an opportunity quickly became a meaningful career path. Working in trucking has strengthened her resilience, discipline, and problem-solving skills. Over time, she has trained and mentored many new graduates who were looking for guidance as they entered the industry. She also has had the opportunity to support business owners by sharing knowledge and helping them navigate operational challenges. In five years, she aspires to serve as a Training and Development Consultant at her current employer, Penske, while also working as an adjunct professor, helping prepare the next generation of transportation professionals. She recently completed her MBA and has been accepted into a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Saint John University, which will allow her to deepen her expertise in leadership, strategy, and workforce development.
Interested in Supporting WITF Scholarship Program?
For those interested in supporting the next generation of trucking professionals, donations to WITF help ensure that more women can pursue careers that change not only their lives, but the future of the industry itself.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To learn more about scholarships, apply for upcoming opportunities, or make a donation, visit WomenInTruckingFoundation.org.
Related Articles:
Like this kind of content?
As a member of the Women In Trucking Association, stay on top of emerging trends and business issues impacting transportation and logistics; learn the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and the need for more women drivers; and see best practices in encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. Join today! Learn More
