Drive & Thrive Program

Drive & Thrive is Highway to Hope’s flagship 16-week program created to empower Black and Indigenous youth from low-income communities across the Greater Toronto Area. Our mission is simple: remove barriers, provide training, and guide participants toward stable, well-paying trucking careers that create lasting independence.

From day one, participants are enrolled in our partner trucking school for hands-on CDL (AZ) training while also attending weekly program sessions focused on trucking education, financial literacy, guest speakers, and progress check-ins. During the week, our staff stay connected by phone and through visits to the trucking school to make sure every participant has the support they need.

By the end of the 16 weeks, participants are prepared and supported to complete their road test and earn their licence. We celebrate each cohort with a graduation ceremony that recognizes achievement and connects graduates with hiring partners.

Drive & Thrive is open to:

• Black and Indigenous youth ages 18 to 29
• Living in the Greater Toronto Area
• From low-income or underserved communities
• Motivated to build a stable career in trucking

(No prior trucking experience is required. The only requirement is a commitment to showing up, working hard, and building a better future.)

• Enrolment in a partner trucking school for CDL (AZ) training
• Transportation costs covered
• Safety gear provided
• Weekly program sessions on trucking and financial literacy
• Mentorship and guidance from licensed truck drivers and guest speakers
• Regular weekday check-ins by phone and school visits from staff
• Graduation celebration and certificate of completion
• Job placement support with trusted trucking partners

Weekly Format

• Monday to Friday: CDL training at the partner trucking school (students attend on their own schedule)
• Sunday program session (10 AM to 2 PM):
  • First 1.5 hours: Structured trucking lessons covering industry skills and knowledge from our 16-week curriculum
  • Break (1 hour)
  • Final 1.5 hours: Financial literacy and life skills training drawn from our 16-week curriculum
• Guest Speakers: Invited throughout the program to share insights, inspire participants, and provide guidance on both trucking and financial success

Support Throughout the Week

• Staff call participants to provide encouragement and accountability
• Founders and staff visit the trucking school to assist and mentor students
• Guest speakers contribute expertise on trucking, financial management, and career development

1. Introduction to the Trucking Industry
2. Getting Your AZ Licence: Step-by-Step Guide
3. Pre-Trip Inspections and Safety Protocols
4. Driving Techniques: Maneuvering and Backing
5. Understanding Logbooks and Hours of Service Regulations
6. Truck Maintenance and Basic Repairs
7. Understanding Trucking Technology
8. Cargo Securement and Weight Distribution
9. Fuel Efficiency and Cost Management
10. Dealing with Weather and Road Conditions
11. Health and Wellness for Truck Drivers
12. Truck Driver Rights and Regulations
13. Route Planning and Trip Optimization
14. Customer Service and Professionalism in Trucking
15. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Safety
16. Transitioning from Company Driver to Owner-Operator

1. Introduction to Financial Literacy
2. Creating a Zero-Based Budget
3. Managing Debt Effectively
4. Building an Emergency Fund
5. Saving Strategies for Short- and Long-Term Goals
6. Maximizing Income and Side Opportunities
7. Understanding Your Paycheque and Taxes
8. Building Strong Credit and Mastering Your Credit Score
9. Understanding Credit Cards and Interest Rates
10. Investing Basics for Beginners
11. Building Wealth Through Smart Investing
12. Retirement Planning and Financial Independence
13. Insurance: Protecting Your Future
14. Loans and Avoiding Predatory Lending
15. Setting Financial Goals and Building Wealth
16. Creating a Financial Plan for the Future

• Barrier Removal: Costs for licensing, safety gear, and transportation are covered so finances are never a barrier
• Holistic Training: Participants gain CDL instruction and essential life skills through workshops
• Mentorship and Guidance: Licensed truck drivers and guest speakers provide practical advice and real-world experience
• Ongoing Support: Weekly sessions, regular check-ins, and school visits keep youth accountable and encouraged
• Career Launch: Graduates are connected with trusted trucking partners who are ready to hire

At the end of each cohort, we host a graduation ceremony where participants receive a certificate of completion and are recognized for their hard work. This moment marks the start of stable careers, financial independence, and brighter futures.

Drive & Thrive is more than a training program. It is a movement to break cycles of poverty by creating legal, stable, and rewarding careers. Every graduate represents a story of resilience and possibility, showing that with opportunity and support, youth can build independence and transform their communities for the better.