State Farm Helps Think Together Students Drive
“Yogurtland,” shared Kayla, a 12th grader from Heritage High School when asked where she wants to drive to first once she earns her learner’s permit.
High school students like Kayla across Los Angeles and Riverside County campuses are gaining essential driving skills through State Farm’s DriveSafe program. This initiative teaches safe driving habits, traffic laws, and responsibility behind the wheel, while also helping students earn their learner’s permits.
Throughout the eight-week DriveSafe program, students develop independent decision-making skills, gain internship experience, and learn to commute to jobs and other commitments—all made possible with State Farm’s support.
Upon completing both the instructional and post-assessment components, students become eligible to take their permit test at the DMV—an important step toward independence and access to their communities.
At Heritage High School, teens attend the afterschool program daily, actively engaging and eager to learn. The program incorporates interactive activities, allowing students to practice real-world driving concepts, such as hand signals and situational awareness. These exercises help participants understand the rules of the road beyond what’s covered in a driver’s handbook.
“One of my favorite lessons I’ve learned so far is understanding the traffic signs,” said David, a senior at Heritage High School. “Some of them are very confusing, and you have to understand which ones are for construction zones and that you’re supposed to slow down during those yellow and bright orange signs.”
Program staff also see firsthand how the program helps new drivers understand real-world scenarios, going beyond the driver’s handbook for hands-on learning experiences.
Older Youth Leader Eric, who teaches the driver education program, believes that this program provides Think Together students with an advantage in earning their learner’s permits.
“These students get a head start compared to other students,” said Eric. “My parents had to pay a lot of money when I was in driver education in high school, and I had to take a lot more classes just to earn my permit compared to my students.”
State Farm is proud to support Think Together’s driver education and workforce readiness programs, equipping students with the skills they need for their future—on and off the road.
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