City of Hillsboro, Hillsboro High School, Team Driving School partnering on ‘Drive to Succeed’ initiative
Pictured (l-r) are Joe Turner, High School Principal; Jessica Rhoades, High School Guidance Counselor; Susan Rhoads, Middle School/High School Social Worker; Lauren Walker, City of Hillsboro Economic Development Coordinator; Brianne Abbott, City of Hillsboro Safety and Service Director; Justin Harsha, City of Hillsboro Mayor; Mike Hatfield, Team Driving School Owner; and (back row) Johnathan Light, Director of Operations. (Submitted photo)
The “Drive To Succeed” Initiative is a collaborative effort between the City of Hillsboro and Hillsboro High School to offer certified driver education to students in financial need.
Hillsboro High School understands that reliable transportation is needed to lead a successful future. This joint collaboration with the City of Hillsboro has been made possible through the use of grant money from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
Hillsboro High School counselor Jessica Rhoades, Tina Young and Principal Joe Turner approached the city regarding this grant opportunity.
Over the years, city leaders have had multiple discussions with HHS regarding bridging the gap for students who want to enter the workforce but are forced to wait until their 18 to obtain a driver’s license due to the cost that is associated with driver’s training courses. An increase in teen fatalities is also a concern.
This must have been on the state’s radar as well, and we are so thrilled to have this grant available to our students. The city was quickly on board for applying for the grant, and we have been awarded $10,000 for the two-year program. With these funds, we should be able to support 23 students through the driver’s training program.
Team Driving School has partnered with the high school and will offer the required 24 hours of classroom instruction at HHS. The structured program will give students the opportunity to stay after school to complete the sessions over a two-week period. Team Driving will then coordinate with students to schedule the eight hours of driving required for the completion of the program.
The eligibility requirements for students are to serve those who meet the school reduced/free lunch criteria and are not failing any classes. Students must have a permit and no previous driving training. We plan to roll out the program in September.
The mission of this program will greatly impact and benefit the community by ensuring students are receiving proper driver education to reduce risks and bridging a gap in our workforce needs. Local leaders from school counselors, local manufacturers, economic development, Chamber partners and small businesses have gathered in our community to discuss workforce development. The number-one barrier for students entering the workforce is being unable to afford the required driver training to obtain a driver’s license. This program would bridge the gap between young adults and employers, give students exposure to soft skills at a much younger age and allow students to obtain the required driving education needed to stay safe on the roads.