Fairfield County Educational Service Center Announces Expanded Eligibility for Drive to Succeed Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                       September 14, 2026
 
   
September 14, 2026 – Fairfield County Educational Service Center (ESC) announced the recent expansion of eligibility for the Drive to Succeed Scholarship program, administered in partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO). New drivers aged 15 ½ to 20 years of age who are SNAP, WIC, Medicaid or Summer EBT eligible, or who are a ward of the state, and who hold a valid Ohio temporary permit and reside within one of the 25 participating counties, can now apply.
 
Previously limited to new drivers who qualified through SNAP eligibility, the program now offers four additional pathways to qualify, broadening access to high-quality, state-required driver education for eligible young people across the region.
 
Stemming from Governor DeWine’s administration and the Ohio Department of Public Safety, $6 million in grant funding was divided among four Educational Service Centers (ESCs). The Fairfield County ESC received $1.62 million in funding to expand access to affordable and high caliber driver education for new drivers.
 
Student drivers and their families may submit an application via the Fairfield County ESC’s website and if the student driver meets the eligibility requirements, a scholarship will be awarded. Student drivers will select their preferred driving school provider and determine the method they’d like to use to complete the 24-hour in-class portion (online vs. in-person/virtual).
 
“By expanding the ways young people can qualify for this program, we’re able to reach more students who need support to gain their independence,” said Marie Ward, Ph.D., Superintendent, Fairfield County ESC. “Driver education is essential for young people to secure opportunities outside of school and home, and this expansion ensures more students can take that step forward.”
 
For more information about Drive to Succeed, and to apply, visit https://www.faircoesc.org/page/drivetosucceed.
 
The Fairfield County Educational Service Center provides student-centered educational leadership and supportive services to meet the individual and collective needs of the staff, students and boards of education of the eight local school districts located in Fairfield County. More information can be found at faircoesc.org