Knox Public Health is excited to announce the launch of the Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program funded by a $142,000 grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office Ohio Traffic Safety Office. 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 importance of driver safety and training cannot be overstated. “We know about half of Ohio teens obtain their driver’s license before they turn 18, which means they completed the mandatory requirements for licensure under Ohio law,” said Andy Wilson, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. “But the other half who wait to get licensed are more likely to be involved in a crash in the first year they have a license. This is proof that driver training makes a difference.” Knox Public Health is committed to ensuring the safety of all drivers and citizens on the roads, both within Knox County and beyond.

Eligibility Requirements:

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

1. Be a student in Knox County or of the surrounding counties including: Richland, Licking, Morrow, Ashland, Holmes, Coshocton Delaware. Homeschooled students are also eligible if they meet income guidelines.
2. Be between the ages of 15-17. A newly turned 15-year-old can apply, but they must be 15 years and 5 months to start the driving class. (Applications of students enrolled in high school who are 18 years old will be reviewed on a case by case basis). Please note that if an 18-year-old is approved for the scholarship and fails their driving class, they will be required to take an adult class at their own expense.
3. Applicants cannot already have a driver’s license, have taken a driver’s education class or currently be enrolled in one.
4. Provide documentation of financial eligibility through one of the following programs:
   1. School reduced/free lunch
   2. WIC/SNAP
   3. Medicaid Recipient
5. 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 Anthony Bowersock at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., mailed, or dropped off at Knox Public Health, ATTN: Anthony Bowersock, 11660 Upper Gilchrist Rd., 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.

1. Coshocton Driver Training School
2. Confident Driving Academy
3. Driving Schools of Ohio
   1. Highland High School
   2. Licking Valley Driving School
   3. Mt. Gilead High School
   4. Mount Vernon Education Center
   5. 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.

For questions or more information, contact Anthony Bowersock, Accreditation Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 740-392-2200 ext. 2219.

Drive To Succeed Application