In an effort to increase the number of quality teen driving programs in the state, two schools in Mahoning County that offer drivers’ education courses were awarded grants from Ohio.

2nd Nature Driving Academy in Boardman will receive $229,160 while the Choffin Career and Technical Center in Youngstown will get $65,300 from the state’s Creating Opportunities for Driver Education Grant Program, according to a Tuesday announcement.

They are among 34 schools in Ohio getting a total of $4.63 million in state funding through the program.

Those receiving the money can use it toward buying vehicles, instructor salaries, online education and administrative costs.

“Ohio’s driving training programs help young drivers develop responsible road habits while also laying the foundation for a lifetime of safe and confident driving,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “More students in underserved areas will now have access to this vital training, allowing them to contribute to a safer, more informed generation of drivers.”

Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said many teens wait until they’re 18 years old to get a driver’s license “because they can’t afford training, they do not have a local driving school or the wait list for training is too long.”

This grant program isn’t intended to replace current driving training schools, he said, but to increase capacity and fill training gaps.