ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) was recently awarded more than $1 million from the Creating Opportunities for Driver Education (CODE) grant. Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson made the announcement January 23, 2024. DeWine said, “More students in underserved areas will now have access to this vital training, allowing them to contribute to a safer, more informed generation of drivers.”
The CODE Grant Program, with an allocation of $4.5 Million, was awarded to 34 districts. Among them, 16 districts being served by the MVESC and their collaborative driving school, the Muskingum Ohio Valley Educational Service Center Driving School (MOV ESC). The MOV ESC is a cooperative endeavor involving the MVESC and the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center.
The MOV ESC Driving School, established in 2021, started with 15 school districts: Belpre, Caldwell, Crooksville, Fort Frye, Frontier, Hamilton, Marietta, Morgan, New Lexington, Noble, River View, Switzerland of Ohio, Warren, Wolf Creek, and Zanesville. “Our program achieved significant success in its first year, with nearly 1000 students earning their driver’s license,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “The CODE Grant will enable us to expand the MOV ESC Driving School statewide, reaching more students and districts with our proven driver training model. We’re excited about the possibilities for the future,” she added.
“Making driver education easily available is not just about personal skills; it’s a game-changer for communities,” said Eastin Lewellen, Director of Workforce Development, MVESC. “It means more skilled drivers, less transportation hurdles, and a positive ripple effect on local economies, creating a stronger, more connected community with enhanced workforce opportunities,” he added.