Drive to Succeed scholarships now open to ages 18–20 through Knox Public Health

Knox Public Health announced that the Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program funded by a $142,000 grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office now is open to 18–20-year-olds.

The program is designed to expand access to driver’s education training for income-eligible teenagers by providing scholarships for driver’s education training. Applications are being accepted now through June 2026 or until funds have been exhausted. The education course and driving hours must be completed before June 30, 2026, to be accepted under this grant. 

Beginning Sept. 30, Ohioans age 18, 19, and 20 are required to complete 50 hours of driving practice supervised by a licensed adult and take an Ohio-approved “Class D” driver training course to receive a driver license. All training must be completed before scheduling a driving test with an Ohio driver license examiner. More details can be found at https://otso.ohio.gov/programs/ohio-driver-training/for-drivers/under-21-driver-training/under-21-driver-training

To qualify for the Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

— Be a student or resident in Knox County or of the surrounding counties including Richland, Licking, Morrow, Ashland, Holmes, Coshocton, and Delaware. Homeschooled students are also eligible if they meet income guidelines.

— Be between the ages of 15-20. A newly turned 15-year-old can apply, but they must be 15 years and 6 months to start the driving class. Please note that if someone aged 18-20 is approved for the scholarship and fails their driving class, they will be required to take an adult class at their own expense.

— Applicants cannot already have a driver’s license, have taken a driver’s education class or currently be enrolled in one.

— Provide documentation of financial eligibility through one of the following programs: School reduced/free lunch; WIC/SNAP; or Medicaid recipient.

— Submit one letter of recommendation from a non-family member, such as a teacher, coach, or school employee highlighting the applicant’s attendance, accountability and the character.

Only fully completed applications will be considered for the scholarship. Applications will be reviewed and selections made within two weeks of submission. Approved applicants will be notified by Knox Public Health. Completed applications can be emailed to Mike Whitaker at mwhitaker@knoxhealth.com, mailed, or dropped off at Knox Public Health, ATTN: Mike Whitaker, 11660 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. 

Once selected, the student or their parent/guardian will arrange driver’s education through one of the approved driving schools. A $25 deposit may be required at testing centers: Coshocton Driver Training School; Confident Driving Academy; Driving Schools of Ohio; Highland High School; Licking Valley Driving School; Mt. Gilead High School; Mount Vernon Education Center; and Westerville Education Center.

Scholarship recipients must:

— Attend all classes and follow driving school guidelines.

— Complete two surveys from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office – one before starting classes and one upon completion.

 To obtain an application visit knoxhealth.com. For questions or more information, contact Mike Whitaker, Program Coordinator, at mwhitaker@knoxhealth.com or 740-392-2200, ext. 2233.