Boys & Girls Club seeks CDBG funds for free teen driver education; committee asks for proof of outside pledge

The Kenosha Boys & Girls Club requested 2026 CDBG funding to expand a driver education program aimed at low‑income teens. Nicole Washburn, the Club’s director of teen services, told the committee the program provides classroom and behind‑the‑wheel instruction, workforce readiness and financial literacy training designed to increase employment access and independence for participating youth.

Washburn said the program has produced 127 completed permits to date and that the Club has received more than 200 total applications. She told the committee the per‑student course cost is about $500 and that fully funding the current applicant list of roughly 73–75 students would require about $35,000.

During question-and-answer, committee members pressed the Club on a $15,000 Erie Insurance line in the budget. Washburn said Erie Insurance has been a past partner and is an option the Club is pursuing but that the commitment was not documented in the application packet; she agreed to provide written confirmation of any pledged support and an updated budget if the Erie amount should be removed.

Committee members also asked about insurance impacts after a teen receives a license and about tracking outcomes after program completion. Washburn said the Club provides information about discounted student insurance programs and that the Club can supply parent testimonials, letters and additional follow‑up data on participants’ post‑program outcomes upon request.

Madam Chair reminded applicants that the allocation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 5:00 p.m., and asked the Club to provide the requested documentation before that date.