PRESS RELEASE

New Visions for Public Schools proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking Auto-Pilot program, designed to help 25 high school students in the Bronx obtain their driver’s licenses and access careers in transportation, automotive repair, and other high-demand sectors. This initiative, in partnership with the Consortium for Worker Education (CWE), Best Way Driving School, and Hagerty Drivers Foundation, aims to create employment opportunities for underserved youth in New York City.

“New Visions is committed to breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success for all students, especially those in underserved communities,” said Jennie Soler-McIntosh, VP of Community Engagement and Postsecondary Pathways at New Visions for Public Schools. “The Auto-Pilot program exemplifies our dedication to providing comprehensive support that extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to reach their full potential.”

30% of civil service roles require a driver’s license, yet financial constraints obstruct access for many young people who may otherwise be a fit for these pathways. In industries like manufacturing, construction, security, and the postal service, possessing a driver’s license is often a distinguishing factor for job applicants.

“The automobile has made an indelible mark on our society for well over a century. The Hagerty Drivers Foundation, through its nationally recognized ‘License to the Future’ grant aid program has become a gateway for young adults to express their freedom, pursue educational opportunities and obtain access to employment. We are excited to further this work in NYC through our partnership with New Visions for Public Schools and look forward to the impact this funding will make,” said Casey Maxon, Senior Manager of Heritage for the Hagerty Drivers Foundation.

   

Key components of the Auto-Pilot Program include:

1. 
   Partnership with CWE: New Visions has teamed up with the Consortium for Worker Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to workforce development in NYC, to include Auto-Pilot students in their pool of over 40 job training and placement providers. This partnership opens doors to a range of hands-on experiences and career prospects for students, including a paid-for mechanic apprenticeship program.
   
    


2. 
   Collaboration with Best Way Driving School: Best Way Driving School is providing each Auto-Pilot student with driving lessons and a driver’s education course. To ensure accessibility, Best Way Driving School has dedicated a fleet of cars to arrive at students’ school campuses, removing transportation barriers and simplifying the process of obtaining a driver’s license.
   
    


3. 
   Support from the Hagerty Drivers Foundation: All 25 students have their driver’s education fully-funded thanks to the support of the Hagerty Drivers Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to automotive culture and getting the next generation behind the wheel.. This generous contribution will alleviate financial burdens and enable students to focus on their education and training.

New Visions has already hosted orientations for the first cohort of students, who completed an application process to confirm their commitment to the program. Throughout the summer and beyond, New Visions will continue to provide ongoing advisement and support to ensure the success of program participants. Over the next two years, New Visions plans to expand the Auto-Pilot program to reach an additional 75-100 students, helping them secure their licenses and laying the foundation for their journey towards securing meaningful employment opportunities. This expansion will offer young people the tools they need to thrive both professionally and economically.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Electra Frelinghuysen

[email protected]

212-645-5110