If you are a parent with a teenager you know how expensive getting that driver’s training certificate can be. According to Lassen College’s Driver Education program coordinator Dave Trussell the current cost to sign up is $220 per student. Without the college’s classes local students would have to travel to Greenville or Redding where costs range from $300 to $450 plus travel time.
Thankfully a local car dealership, Susanville Auto Center, stepped up and made a huge contribution, donating a 2013 Ford Focus to Lassen College’s driver’s education program.
“The donation of the new car for our driver’s education program increases the opportunities for the young people in our service area to become licensed drivers at a reasonable cost,” explains Lassen College President/Superintendent Dr. Marlon Hall. “As the president at Lassen Community College I want to thank Susanville Ford for their support of our educational and community service programs.”
Lassen College was looking at having to raise the cost to $270.00 per student if they had not received this donation, but thanks to Chad Nethery and Susanville Auto center they are going to be able to keep the cost of the drivers training program where it is right now.
Trussell added that he hopes local folks will take that contribution into consideration when they are looking to buy a new vehicle, and take a minute to tell Chad and Susanville Auto Center that they appreciate having a car dealership like this in our small town.
Susanville Auto Center Managing Partner Chad Nethery saw the need and realized what an impact he could make for families throughout town.
“I have two daughters, my oldest at Lassen High is just a few months from getting her learners permit,” said Nethery. “I understand that it is already a big expense for parents and raising the price, or losing the program all together, would make things even tougher.”
“I couldn’t imagine having to take your kids all the way to Redding or Chico for drivers training, but that was a possibility that we were facing. We saw an opportunity where we could help, and wanted to step up so that would not happen.”
