Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas Launches Teen Driving Safety Program in Partnership with A1 Thompson Driving School and the Arkansas Highway Safety Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan 24, 2026

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Little Rock, AR — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) is proud to announce the launch of a new teen driving safety program made possible through a grant from the Arkansas Highway Safety Office, a division of the Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. The program will be executed in partnership with A1 Thompson Driving School, owned by Brock Thompson, who continues his family’s 72year legacy in driver education since 1953.

This initiative is designed to address the critical need for teen driver training and safety awareness in Pulaski County and surrounding areas. Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death among teenagers, and Arkansas ranks among the highest states in teen traffic fatalities. By combining the mentoring strength of BBBSCA with the instructional expertise of A1 Thompson Driving School, and the leadership of the Highway Safety Office, the program aims to reduce risks and build confidence among young drivers.

The program will provide:

Comprehensive driver education courses tailored to teens enrolled in BBBSCA.

Hands-on training and safety lessons focused on defensive driving, hazard anticipation, pedestrian and bicyclist awareness, and responsible decision-making.

Community outreach and family engagement, ensuring parents and guardians are part of the safety conversation.

“We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to families who otherwise may not be able to afford it,” said Blake Tierney, Program Director at BBBSCA. “Thanks to the Highway Safety Office’s support and the dedication of their staff, along with the expertise of A1 Thompson Driving School, we can empower teens with the skills and confidence they need to stay safe on the road.”

The program was initially directed by Kristin Koenigsfest, whose leadership helped establish the foundation for this initiative. Now, Blake Tierney has taken over program direction, ensuring smooth coordination and continued growth. His efforts, combined with the Highway Safety Office’s commitment to safer roads, have made this partnership a reality.

Enrollment for the program has already begun, with families expressing excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. Classes will officially start in January 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in teen driver safety for Central Arkansas.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas Founded in Arkansas in 1968, BBBSCA is dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCA is part of a federation of agencies across the country creating mentoring relationships for over a century. Sign up to volunteer at www.bbbsca.org/volunteer.

About A1 Thompson Driving School Founded in 1953, A1 Thompson Driving School has provided professional driver education in Arkansas for 72 years. Owned and operated by Brock Thompson, the school continues its thirdgeneration family legacy of excellence in driver training and road safety.

About the Arkansas Highway Safety Office The Arkansas Highway Safety Office, part of the Arkansas State Police Division and the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, works to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries through education, enforcement, and community partnerships.