September 21, 2023
The WorldLink Truck Driving Academy is distinguished as the only trucking school owned by a Black woman in Arkansas. Owner Gladys Godley, alongside her husband Gary, has partnered with a local HBCU to help diversify the trucking industry and create job opportunities for Black students.
In collaboration with the Adult Education program at Arkansas Baptist College, the Godleys aim to provide students with an alternative to conventional career paths.
“After observing students during their first year, I noticed many dropped out, so we are addressing the gap for those who believed they wanted to pursue a four-year degree,” said Gladys, a former high school teacher.
One of the standout features of the program is its affordability. “The total cost is around $5,000, which covers tuition, permit fees, and books — everything included in that fee,” explained Debra Baker, director at Arkansas Baptist College Adult Education.
The Godleys’ mission offers a promising pathway to a well-paying career, evidenced by the WorldLink Truck Driving Academy’s impressive 90 percent graduation rate. They are enthusiastic about expanding their success through their partnership with Arkansas Baptist College.
“With a CDL [commercial driver’s license], individuals can earn between $45,000 and $80,000 in their first year,” stated Gary Godley. The Arkansas Trucking Association highlights that over 44,000 truck drivers work in the state, with nearly 26 percent identifying as non-white.
Nationwide, the dropout rate for first-time college freshmen stands at 25 percent, and Arkansas’s figures are 124 percent higher than the national average for undergraduate students. To combat the stigma around trade schools and alternative education paths, many secondary institutions across the U.S. have introduced career days for high schoolers looking to explore these options.
