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

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

Federal Work‑Study allows colleges to pay students hourly wages for part‑time community service jobs — including mentoring, tutoring, and transportation support.

Students qualify if they:

• File the FAFSA

• Demonstrate financial need

• Are enrolled at least half‑time

Why this is powerful:

• 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

4. Take the CDL Skills Test

• Pre-trip

• Basic control

• Road test

5. Pass Background Checks

• BCI/FBI

• Drug screening

6. Receive Your CDL + Endorsements