Jaycole Glenn, 16, never thought he’d be driving now. Driver’s training can cost upwards of $600 to complete, and he couldn’t get a permit without it.
“I thought I was going to get it when I turned 18, or when I was older,” said Jaycole. “But now I’ve passed segment one of training and can start practicing and getting ready for segment two. I just got my first job so I can start saving up to buy a car.”
Jaycole is one of six graduates of the new Drive for Success program, started by the community policing officers stationed at the Clubs, Derrick Learned, Ray Erickson and Javo’n Sanders. They saw many teens and young staff members without a permit or license, and wanted to do something to help.
They partnered with Century Driving School to provide quality drivers training to eligible Club members at no cost. The program also includes mentoring, hands-on training, test preparation, instruction on police procedure, and life skills development. The officers hope the program will help decrease the number of motor vehicle incidents involving young drivers and license-related violations.
Demand for the program grew exponentially and there are more than 70 young people interested in attending. The next session is slated to begin in October, and we need your help to enroll up to 20 students. If you would like to donate to Drive for Success, please visit www.bgcgrandrapids.org/driveforsuccess.
Congratulations to Officer Derrick Learned for being named a finalist for the International Association Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year award for his role in creating Drive for Success! Only four people in law enforcement around the world are selected as finalists.
