Driver's Education Scholarship

Driver's Education Scholarship is sponsored by Barberton Community Foundation. This scholarship program is designed to make driver's education more accessible for Barberton High School students. Awards are based on financial need.

Driving Toward Opportunity: Barberton Community Foundation Establishes New Drivers Education Scholarship for Barberton High School StudentsAnnouncing New Driver's Ed Scholarship - Barberton Community Foundation Driving Toward Opportunity: Barberton Community Foundation Establishes New Drivers Education Scholarship for Barberton High School StudentsAnnouncing New Driver’s Ed Scholarship Barberton Community Foundation, in partnership with Barberton City School District, is today announcing a new scholarship program designed to make drivers education more accessible for Barberton High School students.

Addressing a Growing Need The days of free school-based driving education programs are long gone. Today, Barberton City Schools partners with Myers Driving School to provide drivers education, but the $525 cost per student presents a significant barrier for many families. As a result, fewer students are enrolling, delaying their ability to get a license, secure a first job, and gain the independence that comes with driving.

“Families need support for driver’s education,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “Many students want to start their first job at 16, but if they can’t afford driver’s education, they can’t drive in the state of Ohio. We identified this large expense as a barrier for our kid’s families in Barberton, and we want to help.

” The issue becomes clear when looking at the data. “We’re seeing fewer students applying for their temporary permits and attending driver’s education classes,” explained Henry Muren, Principal of Barberton High School. “We might have four to six students in a class now when we should be seeing 12 to 15.

This scholarship is a step toward removing that financial burden and getting more students safely and affordably behind the wheel. ” The new Driver’s Education Scholarship is available starting April 1, 2025.

Awards range from $125 to $325, depending on financial need, and is open to all students who meet the following criteria: Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old Must have good attendance Must be on track to graduate There is no deadline to apply—scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

Students interested in applying should first meet with Mr. Henry Muren, Barberton High School Principal, to confirm they meet eligibility requirements. “These kids are working hard, and I’m excited to be able to share this opportunity with our families,” Muren said. “We know that getting a driver’s license can be life-changing for our students, opening doors to jobs, higher education, and more independence.

” Community Support & Excitement “This is truly a great partnership for our schools,” said Jason Ondrus, Superintendent of Barberton City School District. “Our goal is to create as many opportunities for our students as possible, and having transportation is an important milestone in their academic career and their life. ” Gordon emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission of removing barriers to opportunity.

“We don’t want finances to stand in the way of a student’s future,” he said. “By funding this scholarship, we’re helping students gain a skill that will serve them for their whole life. ” Barberton Community Foundation remains committed to breaking down barriers to education, employment, and opportunity for all Barberton residents.

By funding this initiative, the Foundation hopes to encourage more students to enroll in driver’s education, ultimately increasing the number of licensed, job-ready young adults in the community. For more information or to apply, students and families should contact Mr. Muren at Barberton High School. Call the main office at 330-753-1025.

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