Every child deserves a responsible mentor and tutor!
Help a Local Student Get to School — and Change Their Life Before Class Even Starts
Thousands of Dayton students miss school because they simply don’t have a reliable ride.
You can change that.
As a college student, you can serve as a Driver + Mentor, helping a student get to school safely while offering encouragement, stability, and support.
This is a flexible, meaningful way to serve your community — and it looks incredible on your resume.
Every transportation route will have:
One designated driver
One or more trained mentors onboard
Mentors are present to:
Support students emotionally
Maintain calm and order
Step in if a conflict or fight occurs
Follow safety protocols and de‑escalation steps
Ensure the driver can stay focused on the road
You are part of a team, not a solo operator.
You understand the pressure students face
You’re relatable, encouraging, and consistent
You can model responsibility and confidence
You can help rebuild Dayton’s attendance crisis from the ground up
🚦 What You’ll Do
Pick up a student in the morning
Ensure they arrive on time
Follow simple safety guidelines
Mileage reimbursement available (if applicable)
Offer encouragement
Help them start the day with confidence
Build a positive, consistent relationship
Optional: support with homework or tutoring after school
Work alongside the driver
Help manage student behavior
Use de‑escalation strategies if needed
Keep the environment calm and safe
Choose the schedule that works for you:
1–5 mornings per week
30–60 minutes per shift
Optional after‑school mentoring or tutoring
Semester‑based or year‑round opportunities available
College students can be paid through multiple funding streams, depending on their financial aid status and the role they choose.
Federal Work‑Study allows colleges to pay students hourly wages for part‑time community service jobs — including mentoring, tutoring, and transportation support.
File the FAFSA
Demonstrate financial need
Are enrolled at least half‑time
Students are paid directly by their college
Your nonprofit becomes an approved community service employer
No cost to the student
Minimal cost to the nonprofit
Many Ohio colleges (Wright State, UD, OSU, Ohio University) have community service Work‑Study pools that pay students to work with nonprofits.
These funds can cover:
Mentoring
Tutoring
Attendance support
Transportation support
Students who do not qualify for Work‑Study can still be paid through:
Nonprofit stipends
Hourly wages
Mileage reimbursement
Local grants
County workforce funds
School district partnerships
1. Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
Must be 18+
Pass written tests: General Knowledge, Passenger, School Bus
Pass a vision test
2. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Required by federal law.
3. Complete School Bus-Specific Training
Includes:
Pre-trip inspection
Student management
Safety and emergency procedures
Pre-trip
Basic control
Road test
5. Pass Background Checks
BCI/FBI
Drug screening
6. Receive Your CDL + Endorsements
Ohio transportation system is stretched thin — transporting students to 21 charter/private schools plus 14 district buildings with too few drivers to do it .
This has forced extreme start times, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., disrupting families and learning .
Students are stranded, families are overwhelmed, and teachers are struggling to support classrooms where half the students arrive late or not at all .
You can be the difference between a student falling behind or showing up ready to learn.
Choose your path:
Help a student get to school and support them along the way.
Support a student academically and emotionally.
Help students succeed in school through academic support.
Email: anitabiggins@gph-charities.org
Location: Dayton, Ohio