Twenty-Six High Schools Receive Project Ignition Grants to Promote Safer, Smarter Driving

ST. PAUL, MN--Jan. 16, 2013: Coordinated by the National Youth Leadership Council and funded by State Farm, Project Ignition has selected 26 high schools from throughout the United States and Canada to receive $2,000 in service-learning teen driver safety grants for 2013.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, auto crashes are the number one cause of death for teens in this country. Project Ignition is a youth- and schools-led response that connects academic goals to address the issue of teen driver safety through service-learning. The grants will support student-designed and student-led campaigns aimed at preventing car crashes in their community.

"Students themselves are too often overlooked as true stakeholders in their education, and in creating positive change in their schools, their communities, and the world," said Kelita Svoboda Bak, NYLC CEO. "Through Project Ignition, these young people are literally saving the lives of their peers, and are in the best position to influence their behaviors and decision making at critical moments -- especially before they operate a moving vehicle. With State Farm, we are honored to support their schools, teachers, and other adult allies who help them turn their research and plans into reality."

Grant applications were evaluated during a rigorous judging process and 26 schools were selected, in part, based on a commitment to service-learning and the use of proven-effective strategies in changing teen driver behavior. Students will inform, engage and motivate their peers while teachers will simultaneously link these activities to academic curriculum.

Students' plans range from hosting a parent night for community members to using social media to raise awareness. The 10 most effective campaigns that emerge from these 26 will be given the opportunity to receive additional funding (up to $7,500) and join the ranks of Project Ignition's 18 current National Leader Schools as they implement longer-term campaigns.

For more information and a complete list of schools, visit SF Project Ignition.

At the National Youth Leadership Council, we strive for a world where all young people are valued and called on to lead. With passion, creativity, and ingenuity, young people can address world issues while strengthening academic and learning outcomes through service-learning. To that end, we provide programs and services that develop young leaders, support educators, and advance the field of service-learning.