Teen Driver Safety Project Ignition Finalists Announced; 2010 Applications Online

March 1, 2009

The National Youth Leadership Council and State Farm ® are proud to announce the top 10 teen driver safety Project Ignition finalists for 2009, and the opening of the 2010 competition.  

The 2009 top 10 winners include:

  • Bergen County Technical High School (New Jersey)
  • Eureka High School (California)
  • Fleming County High School (Kentucky)
  • Harry D. Jacobs High School (Illinois)
  • Medina Valley High School (Texas)
  • New Castle Jr./Sr. High School (Pennsylvania)
  • Owen Valley High School (Indiana)
  • Payson High School (Arizona)
  • Polk County High School (Tennessee)
  • Three Forks High School (Montana)

These schools were selected from among 25 schools that received $2,000 grants in August, 2008 to implement teen driver safety service-learning projects in their communities. The projects address the issues students identified as most critical for teen drivers at their schools. Projects range from public service announcements about the dangers of distracted driving, to theatrical presentations that show the emotional costs of drunk driving.

As NYLC CEO and founder Jim Kielsmeier says, “Project Ignition is a powerful opportunity to connect classroom curriculum to an issue that affects students on a daily basis.”

The top 10 schools receive $5,000 to travel to Nashville, Tenn. in March to attend the National Service-Learning Conference and Teen Driver Safety Summit. There, the projects will be showcased and featured in student-led workshops. The “Best of the Best” award will be given to the most effective project, and the school site will receive $10,000 to continue their work.

Says NYLC Teen Driver Safety Director Michael Van Keulen: “Project Ignition is a national service-learning effort that is increasingly becoming a youth-lead grassroots movement. This allows academic goals to have incredible community value. Students are learning and saving lives.”

He adds, “Car accidents are the leading cause of death in teens, and I am honored to work with students who are so passionate about keeping their friends safe and alive.”

For more information about Project Ignition, and to view the application visit http://www.sfprojectignition.com.