(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg and McClinton Auto Group have partnered to launch a new driver’s education program that gives students and community members safe, affordable access to behind-the-wheel training — helping more people gain confidence and skills needed to drive toward independence.

The program, led by certified instructor Sharon Marks, provides hands-on instruction in a Mitsubishi vehicle donated by McClinton Auto Group. Participants learn in a safe, structured environment designed for both new drivers and adults seeking to earn their licenses. Each session allows students time behind the wheel under Marks’ professional supervision, with built-in safety features like a passenger-side brake for instructor control.

“This program represents WVU Parkersburg’s commitment to removing barriers, empowering students, and driving opportunity forward — literally and figuratively — for our entire community,” said WVUP President Dr. Torie Jackson. “Not every student has equal access to a safe vehicle, insurance coverage, or a parent who can take off work to help them practice. By providing professional instruction and a college-supported vehicle, we’re making sure every student has the same opportunity to learn a critical life skill safely and confidently.”

The course runs in seven-week sessions and welcomes participants ages 15 and older who already have their learner’s permit. Each class includes one brief classroom meeting, followed by a series of supervised driving lessons that give students valuable experience on the road. The cost for the program is $300, and sessions are held year-round on a rotating basis, taking up to nine students at a time.

“Learning to drive can be stressful — for both the student and their parents,” said Sami Daggett, Program Manager of Short-Term Programs. “This program helps reduce that anxiety. Having a certified instructor in the passenger seat gives students the confidence to build their skills safely, while parents can feel comfortable knowing their child is learning from an experienced professional. We’re seeing more and more students who reach college age without a driver’s license, and this is helping to change that.”

Daggett added that the program also benefits adults who never earned a driver’s license. “Whether someone is 15 or 47, this provides a pathway to independence. In our region, reliable transportation is essential for education employment, and this program helps bridge that gap.”

“McClinton Auto Group has always believed in giving back to the community that has supported us for more than a century,” said Ginny Bowden, owner of McClinton Auto Group. “When we learned about WVU Parkersburg’s driver’s education program and how it helps students’ real-world experience, it immediately aligned with our mission of promoting safety, education, and opportunity. Donating a dependable modern vehicle allows us to continue that legacy while helping students learn safely and confidently.”

The collaboration also extends into the classroom: McClinton’s Finance Director, Steven Webster, recently visited students to share practical insights on vehicle financing and ownership, helping prepare them not only for driving, but for real-world decision-making as future car owners.

Jackson emphasized that partnerships like this are key to WVUP’s mission.

“Community partnerships are essential,” she said. “WVU Parkersburg strength lies in our connections — with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and leaders who share our vision for a stronger Mid-Ohio Valley. When our community invests together, everyone achieves more.”

For more information or to register for an upcoming driver’s education session, contact:

The Workforce and Economic Development Division office at 304-424-8274 or visit https://www.wvup.edu/corporate-training/short-term-programs/.