Hagerty Drivers Foundation Partners with NYC Schools to Fund New Driver Program

The Hagerty Drivers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving automotive culture and history, announced today that it is partnering with New York City public schools and its New Visions non-profit to help fund driver's education training.

The New Visions "Auto-Pilot" program prepares students in New York City, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, for the world of work by supporting their efforts to obtain a drivers license, a crucial asset for entry-level employment associated with many civil service and union jobs. The Foundation's education grant will fund driver education and road tests for students, eliminating financial barriers to receiving this training.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young drivers 16 to 19 are at a significant risk of motor vehicle crashes. A quality driver training class can help, but courses can be expensive these days, between $200 and $1,000 in many states. The Hagerty Drivers Foundation has been a pioneer in providing grants to students to help them cover the expense of driver's training through its "License to the Future" program, launched in 2021. Since the program's inception, more than 700 students nationally have received grants to offset these costs.

"The automobile has made an indelible mark on our society for well over a century. The Hagerty Drivers Foundation, through its nationally recognized 'License to the Future' grant aid program has become a gateway for young adults to express their freedom, pursue educational opportunities and provide access to employment. We are excited to further this work with New Visions for Public Schools and look forward to the positive impact this funding will have for these young students," said Casey Maxon, Senior Manager of Heritage, Hagerty Drivers Foundation.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers aged 16 to 24 constitute only 12 percent of licensed drivers in New York State. This proportion is anticipated to be even lower in New York City, given the prevalence of robust public transportation systems.

"The Hagerty Drivers Foundation will be our inaugural partner in launching this important program. Partnering with an organization with a passion for getting the next generation behind the wheel and filling a void left by the lack of access to courses is a natural fit," said Jennie-Soler-McIntosh, Vice President of Community Engagement and Postsecondary Pathways at New Visions for Public Schools. "The 'Auto-Pilot' program is a key component of our mission to ensure success beyond high school, particularly for underserved communities. It equips students with essential support to embark on their career journeys and access to numerous job opportunities that require a drivers license."