Driver education programs can receive financial assistance

Driver education providers interested in participating in the Driver Education Reimbursement Grant Program for the 2021-2022 school year need to enroll in the program from April 2 to 16, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

This grant program was established to provide financial assistance to driver’s education programs to help individuals who may not have been able to participate otherwise. It is part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) passed by the Kansas Legislature. School year 2021 begins year two of the three-year program.

“More than 1,000 young drivers participated in the first year of the program, and we look forward to helping even more young drivers have the same opportunity,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Safety is the top priority at KDOT, so I’m pleased that through the IKE program we’re helping young drivers learn safe driving practices through driver’s education.”

Driver education providers will be reimbursed up to $200 per eligible student who completes the program, provided they meet eligibility requirements. The provider receives the reimbursement, not the student. Interested student participants should contact their driver education program instructor for additional details.

Students must be between the age of 14 and 29 and a resident of Kansas, have not had their driving privilege suspended in any way, demonstrate financial need and can obtain a certificate of completion by the instructor.

The April 2-16 enrollment period for driver education providers covers courses this fall as well as next spring and summer. For more details on the reimbursement grant program and an application, go to https://www.ksdot.org/burTrafficSaf/default.asp.