Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety offering funding for lock-in events Project Prom, High School graduation

(KBSI) – The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety is offering grant funding to schools in southeast and south central Missouri that hold student lock-in events for Project Prom or High School graduation.

The events must include a presentation or activity educating students on highway safety issues during their night’s agenda.

Qualifying schools will receive $200 each to assist with event expenses such as location rental, food or entertainment.

“These supervised events provide a safe, fun environment for students to celebrate their special event with friends,” said Southeast District Traffic Engineer Craig Compas. “Lives can be changed in seconds by a bad decision like drinking and driving. We want these special events and milestones to be filled with good memories and unmarred by tragedy.”

Many substance-impaired drivers are under the age of 21, according to Compas.

The Southeast Coalition will accept grant applications through February 18.

Interested schools and/or their sponsors can submit the online grant application by visiting savemolives.com/mcrs/project-prom-graduation-grant.

Funding is available for up to 40 local schools.

For additional information, contact Southeast Coalition Coordinator Ashley Metelski at (573) 472-5885, MoDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636), or visit the Southeast Coalition’s website at savemolives.com/se.