Great Basin College Expands CDL Training to Pahrump

New grant funding will allow the college to offer commercial driver's license courses at multiple campuses across Nevada.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Great Basin College (GBC) has received a $630,962 grant from the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development to expand its Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program. The funding will allow GBC to increase CDL-A training at its Elko campus, as well as launch new CDL-A and CDL-B programs in Pahrump, Ely, and Winnemucca. The goal is to address the shortage of licensed commercial drivers in Nevada and support the state's transportation and logistics industries.

Why it matters

Commercial drivers are in high demand across Nevada, particularly in rural areas, to support industries like transportation, mining, and construction. By expanding access to affordable CDL training, GBC aims to create economic opportunities for students while also meeting the workforce needs of local employers.

The details

GBC has offered a CDL-A program at its Elko campus since 2015, with strong student success and job placement rates. The new grant funding will allow the college to not only grow the Elko program, but also launch new CDL-A and CDL-B courses at its campuses in Pahrump, Ely, and Winnemucca. The CDL-A course typically costs around $5,800, while the shorter CDL-B program will be offered at a lower cost. GBC also works with industry partners to provide scholarships to help reduce financial barriers for students.

  • GBC plans to open enrollment for the expanded CDL training programs in fall 2026.
  • The college received the $630,962 grant from the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development in February 2026.

The players

Great Basin College

A public community college serving rural Nevada, with campuses in Elko, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca.

Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development

A state agency that provides funding and support to strengthen Nevada's economy, including through workforce development initiatives.

Amber Donnelli

President of Great Basin College.

Leslie Maple

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Communications at Great Basin College.

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What they’re saying

“With strong employer demand and high-wage opportunities throughout rural Nevada, expanding our CDL program ensures students can access short-term training that leads directly to employment.”

— Amber Donnelli, President (Great Basin College)

“According to Occupational Information Network (ONET), hourly wages for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in nonmetropolitan Nevada range from $23.56 to $39.23 per hour.”

— Leslie Maple, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Communications (Great Basin College)

What’s next

GBC is targeting fall 2026 to have the new instructor and equipment in place to launch the expanded CDL training programs at its Pahrump campus.

The takeaway

By expanding access to affordable CDL training across its rural campuses, Great Basin College is helping to address the shortage of licensed commercial drivers in Nevada and create economic opportunities for students, while also supporting the state's critical transportation and logistics industries.