Every 15 Minutes
The Every 15 Minutes (E15M) program is a two-day educational program designed for high school juniors and seniors. The program challenges students to consider the consequences of impaired driving, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions, while highlighting the lasting impact those decisions can have on family, friends, and communities.
Goals & Objectives
The E15M program brings together the California Highway Patrol, local law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, hospitals, schools, businesses, and community organizations to educate students about the consequences of impaired driving.
The two-day program is designed to be a powerful and emotional experience that challenges students to look beyond statistics and understand real-life impact of their decisions. Through realistic scenarios and personal stories, students gain a greater awareness that their choices behind the wheel can have lasting effects on themselves, their families, their friends, and their communities.
The goal of the program is to promote responsible decision-making, increase traffic safety awareness, and help prevent impaired driving, crashes, injuries and fatalities among young drivers.
Funding
With funding provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, the California Highway Patrol provides mini grants to eligible schools and organizations interested in the E15M program.
Applications are accepted beginning October 1st at the start of each new school year and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding and program opportunities have been filled. For information on the application process, please contact the Public Information Officer at your local CHP Area Office.
Contact Information
Experienced California Highway Patrol personnel are available to provide guidance and technical assistance to schools, advisors, and community partners in planning and implementing a successful E15 Minutes program.
For additional information about the E15M program or to apply for a grant, please contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) at your local CHP Area Office.
Click the Below Link to Locate a CHP Area Office Near You
EVERY 15 Minutes FAQ’s
Does the E15M program offer funding to schools?
Yes, the California Highway Patrol provides mini grants to eligible schools and organizations to support the implementation of the E15M program. Funding is provided through the California Office of Traffic Safety.
How can my school implement an E15M program?
The local PIO at your local CHP Area office can assist schools interested in implementing an E15M program. You can find your local PIO for your school here by utilizing the following link: Find an Office
Once our E15M program is complete, what are we required to do next?
Upon completion of the E15M program, schools and organizations are required to submit a final report package to the California Highway Patrol within (30) days. The final report package must include the required reimbursement form and invoices, and a summary of the program planning through completion. In addition, supporting materials that highlight the program, including photos, media coverage, and USB drive containing the completed program video.
Are T-shirts or giveaway items for students and staff covered by the E15M grant?
No. T-shirts and promotional items are not allowable purchases under the E15M grant. Schools wishing to provide these items for their program must use funding from a source other than the grant. Many schools obtain donations, community support, or use fundraising efforts to cover these costs.
Can E15M grant funds be used to purchase audio or video equipment for the program?
No. The E15M mini grant does not allow for the purchase of items or equipment. Grant funds may be used for the rental of audio, sound, or video equipment and other allowable materials needed to support the program.
If your school plans to purchase equipment for the program, the purchase must be funded through a source other than the CHP grant. If you have questions about whether a planned purchase is allowable under the grant, please contact the statewide E15M coordinator prior to making the purchase(s).
Can the E15M grant funds be used for different traffic safety programs, such as texting or distracted driving education?
No. The E15M grant funds must be used specifically to implement the E15M program as outlined in the program guidelines. The program is designed to educate high school juniors and seniors about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving and the impact their decisions can have on themselves, their families, and their communities.
Grant funds may not be redirected to support other traffic safety programs or activities.
This is our first time implementing the E15M program or our school has not hosted an E15 event in several years. Where do we start?
The CHP PIO at your local CHP Area Office can assist schools and community partners with planning and implementing an E15M program. CHP personnel are available for guidance and technical assistance throughout the planning process.
For additional information or assistance, please contact the local PIO supporting your program. You can do so my utilizing the following link to locate an Area office near you and request to speak to the PIO : Find and Office