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The Drive to Succeed Program  provides teens in low-income communities with access to affordable driver’s education. This program is made possible through a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office and is administered by the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio.

About the Program

Teen drivers in Ohio face higher risks of traffic incidents, but research shows that completing Ohio’s mandatory driver education significantly reduces the likelihood of crashes for drivers under 18. The Drive to Succeed Program helps address these risks by ensuring that eligible teens have the opportunity to receive high-quality driver training at minimal cost.

Teens selected for the program can enroll in an Ohio-approved driving school in their area. Participants only need to pay a $50 registration fee to secure their spot in the course. If the program is successfully completed, this is the only cost. However, if the participant does not complete the training, the student or their guardian must reimburse the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio $500 to cover the course expenses.

Beyond obtaining a driver’s license, this program empowers students to access jobs, career events, job shadowing opportunities, and extracurricular activities—opening doors to independence and success.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Drive to Succeed Program, students must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Must have a valid driver’s permit
  • Provide two letters of recommendation from school staff
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 during the current school year
  • Submit proof of free/reduced lunch eligibility or other documentation of financial need

How to Apply

Complete the program application and submit all required documentation to be considered for this opportunity.  Mail Application and Documents to:
Sandy Furano
Director of Career Counseling
ESC of Eastern Ohio
7320 N. Palmyra Rd.
Canfield, OH 44406

Take the first step toward independence and success today by applying for the Drive to Succeed Program!

How to Apply

Download and complete the program application and submit all required documentation to be considered for this opportunity.  

The following documents must be submitted or your application will not be considered:

  1. Provide proof of free/reduced lunch documentation or other financial need
  2. Copy of your driver’s permit
  3. Two letters of recommendation from school staff
  4. Copy of your school transcript showing an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater for the 2024-2025 school year. (If applying in the first 9 weeks, send a transcript from the previous school year.)

Mail Application and Documents to:
Sandy Furano
Director of Career Counseling
ESC of Eastern Ohio
7320 N. Palmyra Rd.
Canfield, OH 44406

Download a Parent Flyer

First page of the PDF file: Flyer-DrivetoSucceed