Drive to Succeed

The Drive to Succeed Grant is administered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. Its mission aligns with the broader goals of reducing traffic injuries and fatalities, ensuring safer roads, and promoting equity in traffic safety programming. The program specifically targets Ohio’s teen driver population, recognizing research that links formal driver training to lower crash rates, higher exam pass rates, and overall safer driving outcomes. By funding driver training scholarships, the program addresses a critical safety and economic need in communities across the state. The grant program’s purpose is to provide financial assistance to cover the costs of novice teen driver training for low-income youth in Ohio. Costs for driver education programs typically range between $400 and $900, which can be prohibitive for many families. The grant ensures that eligible youth ages 15½ to 20 can obtain driver training and licensure, which in turn increases their opportunities for employment, access to education, and reduces risks associated with unlicensed driving. This dual emphasis on traffic safety and economic opportunity underpins the overall mission of the initiative. Eligibility is limited to Educational Service Centers located within the state of Ohio. Applicants must be able to provide scholarships within Ohio’s boundaries and must submit a complete application by the stated deadline. Each applicant must designate required personnel, including a grant program administrator, a fiscal officer, and a signing authority, to oversee administration and compliance. Grants are awarded based on available funding, the number of proposals submitted, past performance of applicants, and the quality of the proposals. Only licensed driver training schools may be reimbursed with grant funds; direct reimbursement to students is prohibited. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office’s Online Grants Management System (IGX) and OhioPays. Proposals are reviewed by a designated committee, which makes funding recommendations to the Director of the Department of Public Safety. Applications must be in “APPLICATION SUBMITTED” status by the established deadline. Upon award, the grant period begins with the execution of the agreement and extends until June 30, 2027. Funds are distributed in four installments, with 50 percent disbursed before June 30, 2026. Grantees must meet specific milestones within defined timeframes, including launching a program website within 120 days and beginning scholarship awards within 150 days of the executed agreement. Use of funds is strictly defined. Allowable expenses include administrative costs directly tied to grant administration, staffing, outreach, marketing, and approved technology needs. Grantees must maintain full financial records, comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and submit detailed monthly reports including numbers of students served, funds expended, and progress toward program goals. Monitoring and audits by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office are mandatory, and grantees must cooperate fully with financial and programmatic reviews. Any unspent funds at the end of the grant period must be returned unless otherwise directed. Evaluation of grantees is ongoing and based on compliance with grant guidelines, reporting requirements, and financial accountability. The program prohibits the use of funds for unallowable expenses such as fundraising, food or beverage purchases, or lodging costs that exceed state per diem rates. Grants may be terminated by either party with thirty days written notice, and a force majeure clause applies. The grant is governed by the laws of Ohio, with Franklin County as the jurisdiction for disputes. For questions or assistance with the application process, prospective applicants may contact the Ohio Traffic Safety Office at 1-614-466-3250 or via email at drivetosucceed@dps.ohio.gov.

Ensure personnel are designated, website is launched within 120 days, and strict reporting compliance maintained.