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Driver’s Education

Opening Doors for Mississippi’s Foster Youth

The Transportation and Driving Pilot program is the first of its kind in the state of Mississippi and serves as a collaborative partnership with local driver’s ed providers across all 82 counties.

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Removing Barriers to Independence Through Driver’s Education

Nationally, fewer than 5% of foster youth obtain their driver’s license before they age out of care. This lack of mobility limits their access to essential opportunities.

A driver’s license symbolizes freedom, responsibility, and a path to independence. This program opens doors to employment, education, and social opportunities that can significantly impact the quality of life for foster youth.

0%

of foster youth nationwide have a driver’s license

0%

of all eligible Sunnybrook residents (2023 – present) have obtained their license or permit

0x

Sunnybrook youth are 17x more likely to purchase their 1st vehicle

0%

Employment rate of eligible Sunnybrook residents (min. 6 months on the job)

“Behind these numbers are real stories of struggle that most people couldn’t imagine. We’re giving [Mississippi foster youth] a foundation of faith and knowledge to unlock a fulfilling future.”

Myrle Grate

Executive Director of Sunnybrook

Barriers Foster Youth Face in Obtaining a Driver’s License

Self-transportation is an essential aspect of lifetime earnings, with a report by the Brookings Institution showing that nearly 70% of jobs in the U.S. are not reachable within a 90-minute public transportation ride.

Financial Constraints

The costs associated with driver’s education, testing, insurance, and vehicle ownership can be prohibitive for foster youth. Without family or financial support, these essential expenses are often unattainable.

Lack of Support Systems

Most teens learn to drive with the guidance of a parent or guardian. However, foster youth often lack a consistent adult to help with driving practice or transportation to lessons.

Frequent Relocation

Frequent moves between foster homes disrupt the completion of driver’s education courses or practice hours, making it challenging to meet legal requirements.”

Documentation Challenges

Legal documents, such as birth certificates or social security cards, are often difficult for foster youth to access, posing another barrier to obtaining a license.

Building Skills for a Brighter Future

Sunnybrook’s Transportation and Driving Pilot Program offers free driver’s education courses to foster youth aged 15 and older. Classes are strategically scheduled during school vacations and holiday breaks, in alignment with local school district calendars.

Step 1

Enrollment and Orientation

Youth join the program and attend an orientation.

Step 2

Driver’s Education Classes

Courses are held during school breaks for maximum accessibility.

Step 3

Learner’s Permit and Practice Hours

Youth earn their permits and complete supervised practice hours.

Step 4

License Achievement

Students complete testing and receive their licenses.

Program Goals

  • Increase the number of foster youth with driver’s licenses.
  • Provide structured driving education with the support of MDCPS and local partners.
  • Empower foster youth to access opportunities through independence and mobility.

Interested in learning more about the Driver's Ed program?

Fill out the form to receive more information about how Sunnybrook’s Driver’s Education Program can support foster youth in Mississippi.

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By Ron Veazey, Sunnybrook Interim Executive Director For more than six decades, Sunnybrook has existed for one purpose: to create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children and youth who need them most. That mission has not changed. What is changing in 2026...