The purpose of the grant is to educate students about the effects of drunken driving, assess current alcohol and safety issues, increase the use of seat belts among students, participate in Operation Zero Tolerance and Click It or Ticket, and train peer educators about other highway safety issues, according to a university news release.

The funding has been used to sponsor events throughout the academic year, including DUI simulators, guest speakers, and other interactive activities on the topics of alcohol, drugs and highway safety.

Nearly half – 49 percent – of full-time college students ages 18 to 22 binge drink or abuse prescription or illegal drugs, according to a report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.