MOUNT VERNON — Knox Public Health received $142,000 in driver training scholarships for income-eligible youth at Wednesday’s health board meeting.
The Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program aims to “expand access to driver’s education training for income-eligible teenagers by providing scholarships to those who cannot afford driver’s education training.”
The Ohio Traffic Safety grant is available from May 2024 till June 30, 2026.
Eligibility
According to the scholarship application form, students between 15-17 can apply.
A newly-turned 15-year-old student can apply but must be 15 years and five months old to start the driving class. Students enrolled in high school who are 18 years old will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Also according to the scholarship form, students must attend a Knox County public school, including the Knox County Career Center, or be home-schooled and reside in Knox County.
The form also states students need to show financial eligibility by providing documentation through one of the following programs: school reduced/free lunch, WIC/SNAP, Medicaid recipient.
You can’t apply if you:
- Are a current licensed driver
- Have taken a driver’s education class before
- Are currently enrolled in a driver’s education class
Students need to provide one letter of recommendation from a non-family member, according to the application. It could be a teacher, coach or another school employee. The letter needs to address attendance, accountability and character of the student who is applying for the scholarship.
Completed applications can be emailed to Suzanne Dapprich (sdapprich@knoxhealth.com,) mailed or dropped off at Knox Public Health Center on 11660 Upper Gilchrist Road.
Joe Porter hired as mobility management grant coordinator
Also at the health board meeting, Joe Porter was hired as KPH’s mobility management grant coordinator.
“It was an easy decision to make,” KPH division director Joyce Frazee said.