Defense Against Distracted Driving Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Javaheri & Yahoudai Law Firm
J&Y Law Firm invites entries for its semiannual Defense Against Distracted Driving Scholarship for Fall 2025. This $1,000 award supports high school seniors and undergraduate students who pledge to help reduce distracted driving. We’ve witnessed far too many preventable losses tied to distracted driving, and we’re looking for students who will help spread solutions.
Background
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving resulted in 3,522 fatalities and 362,415 injuries in 2021. We are asking applicants to propose practical ways to cut distracted driving in a 1,000–2,000 word essay. The strongest submission will receive the $1,000 scholarship.
Important dates
- Applications open: September 1, 2025
- Application deadline: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST
- Winner selection completed by: December 30, 2025
Who may apply
- Open to U.S. high school seniors and currently enrolled college undergraduates.
- The scholarship recipient must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in California (enrollment verification will be required). High school seniors may apply but, if selected, must demonstrate California college enrollment as noted.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Minimum academic requirement: 3.0 GPA for college students (or a B average for high school applicants).
- One entry per student.
How to apply
- Complete the application form and submit a single essay of 1,000–2,000 words that addresses the prompts below. The application window closes December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST.
Essay prompts (address all items; total length 1,000–2,000 words)
- Describe any personal ways in which distracted driving has impacted you.
- Explain steps you take to avoid distracted driving. What strategies help you refrain from checking your phone while driving?
- Have you observed friends driving while distracted? If so, how did you respond?
- How would you educate peers about the risks of distracted driving?
- What actions should be taken at the community or societal level to reduce distracted driving?
Selection and judging
- One winner will receive $1,000.
- Submissions will be reviewed by members of J&Y Law Firm. Essays will be judged on clarity, organization, reasoning, and evident commitment to road safety. The winner should demonstrate a clear passion for preventing distracted driving.
- The selected recipient must provide an enrollment verification form from their California college or university before receiving funds.
Notification and prize delivery
- The winner will be notified by email and telephone. If the chosen recipient does not respond to repeated contact attempts within 30 days of notification, the award will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen using the same selection process. The alternate will also have 30 days to respond, and this process will continue until a confirmed winner is secured.
- If a winner declines the prize or is found to be ineligible or in breach of these terms, the prize will be forfeited and another winner may be selected.
- Awards are generally hand-delivered at J&Y Law Firm’s office in Los Angeles, CA; if the recipient cannot pick up the prize in person, alternative arrangements for payment can be made.
Additional details
- Only fully completed applications, including the essay, will be considered.
- By applying, entrants agree to these rules and any additional terms provided on the application form.
For questions or more information, contact J&Y Law Firm through the application portal. We look forward to your ideas for making our roads safer.