16-05-2025
El Paso Municipal Court receives $6K grant for teen driving initiative
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso Municipal Court announced a $6,000 grant on Wednesday, May 14, to its Teen Court program's Teens Behind the Wheel initiative for youth driving education and safety.
According to the City of El Paso's news release, the Texas Bar Foundation awarded the Teen Court program a $6,907 grant.
'We are honored and grateful to accept this grant award,' El Paso Municipal Court DirectorAnnabelle Casas said. 'These grant funds will make a difference and support efforts to strengthen traffic safety with teens and families in our community. Thank you to the Texas Bar Foundation for investing in our community and support to the El Paso Municipal Court Teen Court Program.'
Teen Court is a justice program run by teenagers for teenagers and serves as a peer court for misdemeanor and traffic offenses, the City said.
The program has teens volunteer to perform roles of a juror, court clerk bailiff, attorney or prosecutor, the City said.
According to a spokesperson with the City, if a teenager chooses to participate in the Teen Court program after receiving a citation and they receive a no driver's license citation, they can opt to participate in driver's education to acquire a permit. The Teen Court Case Managers will work to refer participants to a driving school.
The Teens Behind the Wheel initiative assists in paying a portion of the driver's education program or in full, the City said. Typically, driver's education costs families $300 to $400.
Not only will the grant cover the cost of driver's education for some teens, but also assist in expanding the Teen Court program by purchasing educational and promotional materials.
'I couldn't be prouder of this program and all that it has accomplished over the last seven years,' Municipal Court Judge Michelle Morales said. 'This grant will allow us to expand the program and spread the word all over the community about the Teen Court program and instill in our youth the idea of how important it is to serve your community in the best way you can.'
For more information about the Teen Court program, you can visit the City of El Paso's website.
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