North Central Ohio Educational Service Center urges eligible families across 14 counties to apply for fully funded driver education training.
The North Central Ohio Educational Service Center (NCOESC) is accepting applications for the Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program.
Funded through a $1.5 million grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), this initiative breaks down financial barriers to comprehensive driver education, equipping young drivers with the skills required to navigate Ohio roads safely.
Driver training plays a critical role in reducing youth motor vehicle crashes and saving lives. However, the cost of formal driver education can be a significant obstacle for many families, potentially costing anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
Through the Drive to Succeed program, NCOESC aims to ensure that financial hardship never stands in the way of a young person becoming a licensed, safe, and confident driver.
What the Scholarship Covers
Each Drive to Succeed scholarship covers the full cost of an approved driver education program through a state-certified driving school, including:
● 24 Hours of Classroom/Online Instruction: Comprehensive coursework covering state traffic laws and safe driving practices.
● 8 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Instruction: One-on-one training with a licensed professional driving instructor.
● Official Certificate of Completion: Required by the State of Ohio to test for a driver’s license.
NCOESC administers scholarships for residents in the following 14 counties: Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Huron, Lorain, Lucas, Marion, Morrow, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Union, and Wyandot.
“Since launching this grant in March, our goal has been to ensure that no young driver in our community is left behind due to cost,” said Dr. Bryan Drost, Executive Director of Innovation and Grants at NCOESC.
“Driver education gives young people independence, opens doors to employment and school, and most importantly, saves lives. We want to make sure every eligible family in our 14-county region knows this resource is available to them right now.”
How to apply
Scholarships are processed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts. Eligible students and parents can learn more and submit an application by visiting https://ncoesc.my.canva.site/drivetosucceed or contacting NCOESC at drivetosucceed@ncoesc.org.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for a Drive to Succeed scholarship through NCOESC, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be between 15 1⁄2 and 20 years old.
- Permit: Hold a valid Ohio Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC).
- Financial Need: Demonstrate eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or Summer EBT/SunBucks (or free/reduced-price lunch) within the past 12 months.
- First-Time Student: Have not previously enrolled in or completed a driver education course.
- Parent/Guardian Requirement: If under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete OTSO’s short online Parent Orientation Course.