Have you heard about our Driving Academy yet? This brand new program is already at work aiding nine South Dallas residents to earn their driver’s license through training, mentorship, and actual behind-the-wheel practice. We’re so excited to see this initiative in action!
When BridgeBuilders approached Atmos Energy about the opportunity to partner with the Driving Academy, they quickly took action and donated $10,000 to help pay for program fees associated with our students obtaining a driver’s license. Our excitement only grew when Atmos Energy notified us they would also be providing a Jeep Patriot! This vehicle will be used to provide a safe training experience for our young potential drivers, so that even students without their own vehicle can receive valuable driving practice.
Only 26% of 16-year-olds have their driver’s license across the nation, and these numbers are even lower in the community of Bonton. This reality exists largely in part due to the economic barriers to attend a driving school which costs roughly $300-$400, as well as the lack of driving schools available in South Dallas as the closest driving school to Bonton is 15 minutes away. Couple these two issues with only 35% of our community having access to reliable transportation and very few end up with their driver’s license which leads to minimal employment opportunities. These barriers are the exact reason the BridgeBuilders Driving Academy exists. Our program will eliminate these obstacles for participants as we subsidize course costs, provide transportation to and from the driving school, and provide a vehicle and mentor for behind-the-wheel training.
Our partnerships continue to grow through this program as we are creating a pathway into the transportation and trucking industry for interested participants, which will provide employment opportunities providing $35,000-$70,0000 salaries.
The Driving Academy is just one of the ways we seek to engage, equip, and empower the families of South Dallas. If you want to be a part of this mission, please reach out to us at connect@bridgebuilders.org to learn more!
