FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OH — The Fairfield County Educational Service Center (ESC) has received a $1.5 million grant to expand its “Drive to Succeed” program, aimed at providing accessible driver education to young people across the region. The funding, announced by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, comes through a partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO).
The Drive to Succeed initiative, piloted by ODPS and OTSO, offers scholarships for driver training to help low-income teens and young adults overcome the financial barriers of learning to drive. The program will serve students in Fairfield County in conjunction with four additional ESCs throughout the state.
Governor DeWine launched the Drive to Succeed scholarship program in 2022 to support drivers under age 21 whose families may not otherwise afford driving school. According to the JAMA Network, proper driver education significantly improves safety outcomes for young drivers, highlighting the importance of equitable access to training.
The program provides scholarships covering the cost of 24 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel training—typically valued between $400 and $900. By removing these financial obstacles, Drive to Succeed not only enhances traffic safety but also gives Ohio’s youth reliable transportation for school, work, and other responsibilities. To date, more than 5,100 students statewide have benefited from the scholarship program.
The Fairfield County ESC serves eight local school districts, providing student-focused leadership and support for staff, students, and school boards. More information about the ESC and its programs is available at faircoesc.org.
