Steps to Steering: 901
A William’s Walk + Maxwell Driver Education Scholarship
At William’s Walk, everything we do comes back to one belief: safer roads are possible.
After losing our son William in a road crash, we made a commitment to be part of that change. Through community, advocacy, and action, we have worked to raise awareness and bring people together around a shared goal. But we have always known that awareness alone is not enough. Real change also requires investment in solutions.
That is what led us to create Steps to Steering: 901 – A William’s Walk + Maxwell Driver Education Scholarship.
Driver’s education is no longer widely available through schools in Memphis. For many families, that means access comes down to cost, and too often, that cost puts it out of reach. At the same time, we know that better-prepared drivers lead to safer roads for everyone.
From the beginning, we knew that if we were going to create something meaningful, it had to be done alongside people who share our values and our commitment to this community. That is why we are proud to partner with Maxwell Driving School.
Maxwell Driving School is not just a provider of driver’s education. They are leaders in preparing drivers for the real world. Their approach is hands-on, intentional, and built around the understanding that every student learns differently. Through classroom instruction, simulation training, and real-world driving experience, they focus on building confidence and competence, not just helping students pass a test.
Together, we have built Steps to Steering: 901 to address a growing need in Memphis.
Driver’s education is no longer widely available through Memphis Shelby County Schools, and for many families, the cost puts it out of reach. Through this partnership, we are able to remove that barrier by providing full driver’s education scholarships to students who may not otherwise have access.
William’s Walk leads the program through community outreach, student nominations, and selection. Maxwell Driving School delivers the high-quality education and hands-on training that prepares students for the road.
Our 2026 pilot will serve 10 students, selected through a fair and thoughtful process based on demonstrated need, responsibility, and readiness to complete the program.
This program is about safety first. It is about helping young drivers build the skills and confidence they need before they ever get behind the wheel on their own. But it is also about opportunity. For many students, access to driver’s education is not just about driving. It is about getting to a job. It is about helping care for family members. It is about independence and the ability to move forward in life.
Through this partnership, we are not only creating safer drivers. We are helping open doors.
At William’s Walk, our mission is rooted in community. Steps to Steering: 901 is a reflection of what can happen when that community shows up and works together toward a shared goal.
If you would like to support this program, donations are tax-deductible through our partnership with Innovate Memphis.
Nominations for students will be opening soon.
Thank you for continuing to walk with us.
William's Walk 