Defense Against Distracted Driving Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Javaheri & Yahoudai Law Firm

J&Y Law Firm is offering its semi-annual Defense Against Distracted Driving Scholarship for Fall 2025. This one-time $1,000 award is intended for responsible students who want to make their communities safer by pledging to avoid distracted driving. As a teacher, I’d call this a practical way to combine service, personal reflection, and persuasive writing—so if you’re a thoughtful high school senior or college student in California, read on.

Purpose
- The scholarship supports students who are committed to reducing distracted driving and who can communicate ideas for change. J&Y has seen too many preventable losses from distracted driving and wants students to help imagine and promote solutions.

The assignment (1,000–2,000 words)
Write a clear, well-organized essay (1,000–2,000 words) that addresses these prompts:
- How has distracted driving affected you personally?
- How have you actively avoided distracted driving? What techniques work for you to resist checking your phone while driving?
- Have you observed friends engaging in distracted driving? If so, what did you do?
- How could you teach others about the dangers of distracted driving?
- What can we do at a societal level to reduce distracted driving?

A quick writing guide (optional, but useful)
- Start with a brief thesis: one sentence that states your main idea or solution.
- Use a personal example early to make the essay concrete and compelling.
- For each prompt, give specific actions or proposals rather than general statements.
- Close with a succinct conclusion that reinforces your commitment and the change you want to see.
- Mind mechanics and structure—clarity, logical organization, and strong transitions will help your submission stand out.

Eligibility and required materials
- Award: $1,000 to one recipient.
- Who may apply: high school seniors and college undergraduates.
- Geographic/academic requirement: recipient must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in California (enrollment verification will be required from the winner’s school).
- Academic minimum: 3.0 GPA (or B average in high school).
- Age: recipient must be at least 18 years old.
- Application limit: one entry per student.
- What to submit: a completed application form and your 1,000–2,000 word essay.

Deadlines and selection timeline
- Application deadline: December 12, 2025.
- Winner selection and notification: winner will be chosen and notified by December 30, 2025.

Judging criteria
- Submissions will be reviewed by J&Y attorneys who will look for clear, articulate, and logically organized writing.
- The winning essay will show an obvious passion for road safety and practical thinking about prevention.
- The selected winner must provide enrollment verification from their college.

Final notes
This is an opportunity to reflect on a real safety issue and to propose practical solutions—both for yourself and for your community. If you’re eligible and committed to the topic, take the time to write a thoughtful, well-structured essay. Good luck—and drive safely.