From Hall Passes to Highway Heroes: How 14 High School Seniors Earned Their CDLs Before Graduation

While most seniors were stressing about finals, prom, and whether or not their car would make it to graduation, 14 students in Southwest Colorado were learning to shift gears in a 13-speed truck.

And not in some cute little simulator.

Real trucks. Real roads. Real responsibility.

Thanks to a powerful partnership between Eclipse DOT, Dailey CDL Solutions, and the nonprofit Eclipse CDL (501c3), these students didn’t just graduate with a diploma—they crossed the stage with a Commercial Driver’s License and a career already under their belt.

This is the story of our Senior to CDL Program—and it’s changing everything.

A Different Kind of Graduation

In a world where most kids graduate wondering, “What now?”, these 14 students already had an answer.

We’re talking:

• Over 100 hours of hands-on driving and classroom training

• One-on-one mentorship

• Job readiness coaching

• Personal confidence-building that you can’t teach in a textbook

Every single one of them came out of the program not just licensed—but competent. They don’t just have a CDL. They know how to drive.

One student was already operating equipment on his family’s ranch. Now? He’s hauling freight for a regional carrier and saving for his first home.

Another was a quiet kid who barely spoke in class. Now he’s training with a utility company, already making more than his high school principal.

The Man Behind the Wheel

Roy Dailey—owner of Dailey CDL Solutions and co-founder of this mission—isn’t the type to brag. So we’ll do it for him.

Roy didn’t just show up to teach. He showed up to lead.

He coached these students through gear patterns, blindside backing, and mountain driving. But more than that—he showed them what it looks like to believe in yourself, even when no one else does.

He worked nights. He rearranged his business. He made this program personal.

And these students? They showed up for him because he showed up for them.

Let’s Talk Money

Now, we need to clear up a common misconception: this isn’t some watered-down, one-size-fits-all CDL class.

Every student received intensive, tailored instruction—just like our high-level commercial clients.

They learned defensive driving, oilfield safety protocols, load securement, and how to troubleshoot mechanical issues. They trained in real-world conditions, in rigs we actually use in the industry.

And that kind of training?

It doesn’t cost $2,500.

It costs $7,500 per student—and that’s our nonprofit rate.

This is not a handout. It’s an investment with a measurable return. These students leave equipped, employed, and empowered. And they’re worth every penny.

Why It Matters (and Why We Need You)

We didn’t run this program for press.

We did it because we’re tired of watching good kids fall through the cracks. Tired of hearing, “They just don’t want to work,” when no one’s shown them how.

We proved what’s possible when we stop talking about “the next generation” and start investing in them.

Now we want to do it again. This time? Bigger.

We want 30 students next year.
Then 50.
Then we want to take this nationwide.

But we can’t do it alone.

Here’s How You Can Help

📞 Call or text Dan or anyone on the Eclipse DOT team and say:
“I want to sponsor a student.”

We’ll connect you with a real kid from a real school who’s ready to work. You’ll be part of their journey from high school hallway to highway-ready professional.

💰 $7,500 sponsors one student through the full program—gear, training, testing, mentorship, and support.

And yes—it’s tax-deductible.

If you’re a business owner, think about this:
You sponsor one student today, you might be hiring your next best driver tomorrow. That’s how fast this changes lives.

Want to Take It a Step Further?

If you’re a school district, a nonprofit, or a company that wants this kind of program in your backyard, let’s talk.

We’ve built the framework.
We’ve got the team.
We’ve got the trucks.
We’ve got the proof.

You just need to say, “Let’s roll.”

14 students. Zero dropouts. 14 new careers.
And we’re just getting started.

Because when you hand a young person the keys to their future—literally and figuratively—you don’t just change their direction.
You change everything.

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