Zonar, NAPT Offer 2020 Don Carnahan Memorial Grant
Winners will receive up to $50,000 worth of Zonar fleet management technology.

Winners of the Don Carnahan Memorial Grant will receive up to $50,000 worth of fleet management technology from Zonar. Seen here is the EVIR system. File photo courtesy Zonar

Winners of the Don Carnahan Memorial Grant will receive up to $50,000 worth of fleet management technology from Zonar. Seen here is the EVIR system. File photo courtesy Zonar
ALBANY, N.Y. — Zonar and the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) are again sponsoring the Don Carnahan Memorial Grant, which is now open for applications.
This is the 11th year of the Don Carnahan Memorial Grant, which gives school districts the opportunity to receive up to $50,000 in smart fleet technology, the association said in a newsletter on Tuesday. Since 2010, Zonar has donated more than $500,000 in technology to school transportation providers across the U.S. and Canada through the grant program.
"Thanks to this grant and our partnership with Zonar, NAPT members have unique access to innovative technology that can help them improve operations," said Steve Simmons, president of NAPT.
Grant recipients can apply for Zonar fleet management technology, including Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting (EVIR); high-definition GPS fleet tracking with live delivery of vehicle performance, subsystem, and diagnostic information in one device (V4); real-time student tracking (Z Pass); Ground Traffic Control web-based software; and real-time driver coaching (Zonar Coach).
"The Don Memorial Carnahan Grant is special to Zonar — it was named in honor of our former VP of Pupil Transportation, who was a two-time NAPT president and a member of the NAPT Hall of Fame," said H. Kevin Mest, senior vice president of passenger services at Zonar. "We are pleased to announce this grant once again, in partnership with NAPT, to help enhance school bus operations with our technology — ultimately ensuring a more safe and efficient transportation experience for school officials, students, and parents."
To be considered for the grant award, applicants must be current NAPT members at the time of submission. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and will be considered for full and partial grants worth up to $50,000 in hardware costs.
For additional information on the grant or to apply, go here.
More Management

Inside NAPT ACTS 2026: Highlights from Louisville
From federal updates and student behavior strategies to new school bus technology and industry awards, see highlights from NAPT ACTS 2026 in Louisville.
Read More →
Meet the 2025 School Bus Driver Hero Winner: Annette Brown
We caught up with Wa-Nee Community Schools' Annette Brown on site at SBFX, where she was named the 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award winner. Hear about her reaction, what she loves most about being a school bus driver, and more!
Read More →
Predictability Is Like Ketchup (According to 6-Year-Olds)
To students, a different school bus can feel like a full-blown crisis. One driver reflects on why familiar routines, showing up on time, and being reliably boring matter more than we think.
Read More →
Samsara Launches Free Driver Rewards Program
The new Driver Perks program gives eligible professional drivers access to discounts and offers without adding a cost for participating fleets.
Read More →
How Tax-Exempt Municipal Leases Can Help Finance School Buses
Let’s explore school bus financing options, including municipal leases, vendor payable accounts, and balloon payments, and how they can help stretch fleet budgets.
Read More →
Nominate Rising School Transportation Pros Under 40!
We’re searching for the next generation of leaders making an impact across the K-12 student transportation industry to recognize as SBF’s 2027 Trailblazers. Nominations are open now!
Read More →
Changing Lanes: BusWhere, EverDriven, InterMotive, Summit School Services, Switzer-Carty & Thomas Built Buses
Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation suppliers, contractors, and manufacturers.
Read More →
The Most Expensive Thing You Do Before Selling a School Bus: Wait
When should you sell an aging school bus? Learn how maintenance, mileage, corrosion, specifications, and timing can affect resale value long before the auction.
Read More →
American Student Transportation Partners Acquires AJ Myers and Sons
A new deal brings a 75-year Pennsylvania student transportation provider into one of the nation’s largest private school bus contracting groups.
Read More →
What I Brought Home From SBFX: Relationships, Leadership, and Preparing What's Next
Who could lead your transportation operation tomorrow if you couldn't? Bernando Brown explores succession planning, mentorship, and preparing emerging leaders to step up.
Read More →

