Marks & Harrison Launches Scholarship Contest to Combat Distracted Driving Through Youth Engagement

Marks & Harrison has announced its first Driver Safety Scholarship Contest to promote community awareness about the critical issue of distracted driving. The scholarship competition invites graduating high school seniors and rising college freshmen to submit either a written essay or video presentation addressing how communities can educate themselves about distracted driving risks and develop practical strategies to reduce related accidents. Participants must submit an original essay of at least 1,000 words or a video essay between 5-6 minutes long by May 2, 2025. The contest will award three scholarships: $2,000 for first place, $1,200 for second place, and $1,000 for third place.

Entries will be evaluated by a panel focused on originality and creativity. The tone of submissions can range from serious to light-hearted, but must be well-researched and thoughtful. Only one entry per student will be accepted. The scholarship is open to students enrolled in two-year and four-year colleges and universities in Virginia and Washington DC. Winners will be announced on June 2, 2025, with their entries published on the firm's website and social media platforms.

By offering this scholarship, Marks & Harrison aims to engage young people in addressing a significant public safety concern. Distracted driving remains one of the nation's leading causes of traffic accidents, making education and awareness critical for reducing potential harm. This initiative represents a strategic approach to leveraging youth perspectives in developing community-based solutions to a persistent problem. The contest's structure encourages practical, actionable ideas that could be implemented at the local level, potentially creating models for broader adoption.

The timing of this announcement coincides with growing national attention on road safety issues, particularly as distracted driving continues to claim thousands of lives annually. By targeting students at the transition point between high school and college, the contest reaches individuals who are both developing their driving habits and forming their civic engagement patterns. The financial incentives serve not only as educational support but also as recognition for contributions to public safety discourse. This scholarship contest represents an innovative intersection of education, community engagement, and public safety advocacy that could inspire similar initiatives from other organizations concerned with traffic safety.