For 11 United ISD seniors, the road to graduation can now come with a commercial driver’s license attached.

On what was also their first day of class, the students sat together in the front row as United ISD officially launched its inaugural Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program in partnership with Laredo College. They are the first cohort in a 10-week program designed to give high school students a direct pathway into one of the region’s most in-demand industries.

Among them was Derek Palencia, a senior at Lyndon B. Johnson High School, who grew up riding in 18-wheelers because of his father’s business.

“So going with him on trips and seeing all the places he’s been, when I saw this opportunity, I had to take it,” Derek said.

Derek Palencia focused as his instructor, Ms. Moreno guides him on the truck simulator.

The program allows students to earn their Class A CDL through dual enrollment while completing their high school coursework. The inaugural class includes students from J.B. Alexander, Lyndon B. Johnson, United, and United South High Schools.

Balancing regular classes with college-level, hands-on training isn’t easy. It requires time management, discipline, and determination. But district leaders say that’s exactly the point, students are stepping into a professional-level commitment while still in high school.

Dr. Heriberto Hernandez, Associate Provost and South Campus Administrator at Laredo College, said the launch is especially meaningful to him. Before entering higher education, he worked in the oil and gas industry and holds a CDL himself.

“This is not an introductory program,” Hernandez said. “They’re heading in the direction of becoming professional drivers, which is going to open tremendous opportunities.”

He added that expanding CTE dual enrollment programs has been one of the most rewarding parts of his work.

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to students and to preparing young people for meaningful careers. By working together, we’re creating clear pathways and removing barriers,” Hernandez said.

United ISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz said the program is the result of months of collaboration between district leaders, the Career and Technical Education Department, and Laredo College.

“We are very thankful for this partnership,” Dr. Cruz said. “Programs like this don’t happen without people sitting down at the table and committing to our students. This gives them real options. It gives them a head start.”

Speaking directly to the students, Dr. Cruz added with a smile, “When you get your CDL you can invite me on your first ride, I’ll go with you. I can’t wait to see your success and see you on the road  representing United ISD, Laredo College, and of course representing the great city of Laredo Texas.”   

UISD Board Secretary and District 6 Board Member Michelle Molina, who worked closely with the district’s CTE department to help bring the program to life, emphasized the importance of workforce pathways for students who plan to enter the job market after graduation.

“It’s very important to build educational pathways not just for students going to universities,” Molina said. “We have many students who will go straight into the workforce, and we want them to stay right here at home.”

With the World Trade Bridge in Laredo seeing more than 25,000 crossings daily and the city recognized as one of the largest inland ports in the United States, Molina said CDL certification creates strong local opportunities.

“Our students graduate with a certification that can lead to careers with private companies, local government, the county, even TxDOT,” she said. “It opens a lot of doors.”

For Derek, those doors are already part of his plan. He hopes to continue growing his father’s trucking business while studying Criminal Justice and eventually pursuing a career in law enforcement.

“I plan to help my dad expand the company as much as we can,” Derek said. “I want to have my trucking business and also try to become a police officer here in Laredo.”

He said having this opportunity while still in high school changes everything.

“I’m thankful to UISD for offering this because it gives really good opportunities to students,” he said. “It gives us something to look forward to.”

LC and district leaders say this is just the beginning. The CDL Program reflects a broader effort to continue expanding Career and Technical Education options and ensure students graduate with both a diploma and a plan.

For Derek and his classmates, that plan will include a certificate in-hand after completing the program and a future that starts right here at home.