JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (Note: The video above is from a previous report.)
A school bus company that provides transportation services to Duval County Public Schools is offering charitable donations in an effort to combat the bus driver shortage.
Student Transportation of America made the announcement in Monday of a new bus driver referral program that encourages local nonprofits to refer qualified candidates in exchange for a $1,000 charitable donation. The program begins Monday and runs through Jan. 31, 2022.
The referrals must be new applicants who complete their training and are ultimately hired by STA to serve as a driver in one of three Jacksonville terminals providing transportation services to DCPS.
"We are tackling this industry-wide driver shortage from every possible angle," STA Southeast U.S. Vice President of Operations Dennis Gallagher Jr. said in a news release. "It’s a challenge facing all companies within the student transportation industry. We’re hoping that by inviting area non-profits to participate in our referral donation program, we will not only raise awareness for our job opportunities and attract new drivers, but also do our part to give back to the neighborhoods we serve."
Referring organizations must be able to prove 501(c)3 tax exempt status to qualify, the release says. The candidate must list the nonprofit as referring him on her on their application, complete STA's training program and remain on payroll for 45 days in order for the nonprofit to receive their donation.
All new hires joining STA can also earn up to a $3,000 sign-on bonus, according to the release.
"We’re looking for drivers that not only have a solid work ethic to meet our standards for reliable and safe transportation services, but someone who wants to make a real impact on the student experience on our buses," Gallagher said.
The student transportation industry has struggled with hiring since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, STA says in the release. The existing driver shortage was worsened as a result of the pandemic as many older drivers opted to retire early due to pre-existing medical conditions, while others sought careers in the private sector following school closures.
To learn more about the nonprofit referral program, including nonprofit eligibility and candidate requirements to apply, click here.