Driving with the Planet in Mind

At Progressive Pathways, we believe that when we identify a problem around us, we become accountable to our community to do what we can to help correct the issue.  We are working to address two such issues:  

1) If we, as a modern society, don’t change our mindset about the environment and take responsibility for our individual carbon footprints, then we will leave no choice for our children and grandchildren; and, 

2) There is a socioeconomic disparity gap regarding the ability to learn how to drive in Minnesota, leaving a large percentage of teens and young adults without a driver’s license – which is a necessary tool for employment and providing for oneself and a family – often without the resources or ability to learn.

Teens who were unable to afford expensive driver’s education, or didn’t have anyone to drive with for the required 50 hours of practice, become young adults who still don’t have those resources or knowledge, but now face the added responsibilities of adulthood. We understand this position they are in and offer affordable programs for them to learn how to become safe and conscientious drivers. We also teach them eco-driving techniques and encourage less driving and more trip planning, biking, and walking. A driver’s license is a societal tool first, and with it should come a responsibility to account for how our driving is contributing to climate change. So, if we know that information, we can offset our driving with acts of care and consideration for the environment. So that’s how we teach our drivers education program…Learn to Drive with the Planet in Mind!

Your donation would help pay for much needed behind-the-wheel driving lessons for people in your communities. Many of these people have aged out of foster care, have immigrated to our state, or simply never had the opportunity to learn to drive - No, its not taught in school, and yes, its expensive. Please give a hand to those who are striving to grow and have a chance. 

Thank you so much!