State Farm and Think Together Support Safer Teen Drivers
Since 2015, State Farm has supported the Think Together DriveSafe Program and Workforce Readiness and Education Program at four high schools in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. At two schools in Perris, one in Azusa and one in La Puente, high school students learn safe driving habits, earn their learner’s permit and participate in skill-based workshops that help develop crucial employability skills.
Students participate in the 8-week DriveSafe program with Think Together Older Youth Leaders teaching students general driving responsibilities, signs and signals, and the effects of alcohol and drugs while driving. Upon passing the post-assessment, students are eligible to participate in the Driver’s Education program. Students are eligible to take their permit test at the DMV at the end of both components.
“From Car Seat to Driver’s Seat ™ State Farm® is committed to keeping everyone safe on our roadways,” said Sarah Johnson, Corporate Responsibility Analyst at State Farm.” Our support of the Think Together DriveSafe Program is another way to positively influence teens’ behaviors behind the wheel.”
One of the program sites, Bassett High School, has excellent turnout for program attendance and enrollment. “The DriveSafe program gives us great knowledge of the road and makes me feel more prepared to drive,” said Isaiah, an 11th grader at Bassett High School.
The leadership at Bassett High School has noticed that the program has benefited students by helping them build connections and receive information beyond the driver’s handbook.
Older Youth Leader Angel, who conducts the program, feels this opportunity gives the students great agency. “From my personal experience, being able to interact with the students and teach additional information beyond what the driver’s manual teaches is impactful in teaching them the skills needed to be safe drivers,” shared Angel.
Angel uses slideshows and pictures during lessons and speaks about personal experiences driving to give students a holistic perspective on driving on the roads.
Not only can the students learn the educational side of driving, but they can also gain personal connections from the program’s experience.
“The program has given students the flexibility to complete it at their own pace, as well as allowing kids who normally don’t interact with each other a chance to build relationships,” mentioned Site Program Manager Elizabeth Portugal.
State Farm is proud to support the Think Together driver’s education and the Workforce Readiness and Education Program (WREP) to Think Together high school students at the high schools previously mentioned. WREP provides skill-based workshops to over 200 Think Together students across four high schools, including internships, support from Think Together staff in the application process, interview skills, and resume help. DriveSafe will help put safer teen drivers on the road, as studies show that teen drivers who have not completed driver’s education are 16 percent more likely to have a crash. A permit will grant the autonomy needed to participate in community internships and commute to jobs and other commitments.
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