Ford and Zipcar’s “Students with Drive” funds student groups

Ford Motor Company and Zipcar, a national car-sharing company, are giving away funding and transportation credit to student groups across the country.

The organizations’ “Students with Drive” program launched in 2011. It will provide up to $300,000 in awards for the 2013-2014 year, including transportation credit, scholarships and cash awards. Student groups will be chosen from the five categories – academics, athletics, arts, community service and student life.

The Choral Excellence Association, a UCLA club that provides outreach concerts and performance partnerships to local school choirs, won a total of $25,000 worth of scholarships, Zipcar credit and cash through the program last year, said Rebecca Lord, the faculty advisor and associate director of the club.

A portion of the funds were used to support the club’s Choral Outreach Program, a clinic aimed at inspiring local high school and middle school students to attend college through concerts and workshops, Lord said.

In addition, a scholarship fund was dispersed to students involved in the student group and the outreach program, Lord said.

To apply to the program , students can fill out an online application on the Zipcar University Facebook page.

Applicants from each category must campaign to receive votes on Facebook. The club with the most votes wins. The months’ winners will be able to compete for a grand prize of $5,000 for transportation costs, $10,000 for a scholarship fund and $10,000 in cash.

This month’s deadline is Dec. 5. Finalists will be chosen on Dec. 6 and the winners will be announced on Dec. 17.