For nearly a century, Blue Bird has been committed to safely transporting students and supporting the communities it serves. That commitment extends beyond the road through the Blue Bird School Bus Foundation, which invests in programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. A recent example is the Foundation’s support of the Go Baby Go program — an initiative that brings together engineering, education and community to empower children with disabilities through mobility.
Originally developed by University of Delaware researcher Cole Galloway, Go Baby Go is grounded in a simple but powerful idea that every child deserves the opportunity to explore the world independently. The program modifies battery-powered ride-on toy cars and adapts them for children with mobility challenges. The thoughtful engineering of toys that many children use every day, including accessible switch controls, supportive seating and customized positioning, helps these vehicles become tools for independence.
Through a grant from the Blue Bird School Bus Foundation, Mercer University expanded the Go Baby Go program to serve children and families in Peach County, Georgia, home to Blue Bird’s headquarters and a community deeply connected to the company’s legacy. The initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to investing in local programs that directly benefit families while fostering strong community partnerships.
The program was brought to life through a collaboration between Mercer University’s Engineering Honors Program and Tift College of Education. The event, held March 13-14, 2026, at Peach County High School, transformed the gym into a hands-on workspace where students, educators, volunteers and families came together around a shared purpose. It also marked the first Go Baby Go build in Peach County and Mercer’s first off-campus build.
Mercer engineering students led the build teams, applying their technical skills in a real-world setting while guiding others through the customization process. Peach County High School students participated alongside them, gaining valuable experience and a deeper understanding of inclusive design. Blue Bird employees from the engineering department also volunteered their time, reinforcing the company’s strong ties to the Peach County community and its ongoing commitment to service.
The program was led by Dr. Philip McCreanor, Professor and Director of the Engineering Scholars Program at Mercer University, and Dr. Sybil Martin, Professor and Faculty Liaison to Field Experience. Their leadership ensured that each vehicle was thoughtfully designed and carefully adapted to meet the specific needs of every child. When families arrived on the second day, the focus shifted from building to fitting. Each child was introduced to their customized vehicle, with final adjustments made to ensure comfort, support and ease of use. For many families, seeing their child independently active for the first time is a powerful and emotional moment that underscores the true value of the program.
Equally important, the vehicles were provided to families at no cost. Access to adaptive mobility equipment can often be limited by financial barriers, and programs like Go Baby Go help to remove those obstacles. By making these tools accessible, the program opens the door for more children to experience independence and growth.
For those in the student transportation industry, mobility is often viewed through the lens of large-scale systems and infrastructure. Programs like Go Baby Go offer a meaningful reminder that mobility is also deeply personal. At its core, it’s about access to movement, interaction and opportunity. For children with disabilities, early access to mobility can encourage exploration, support development and build confidence in lasting ways.
The Blue Bird School Bus Foundation plays a vital role in making these opportunities possible. By supporting initiatives like Go Baby Go, the Foundation extends Blue Bird’s impact beyond manufacturing and into the communities it serves. It reflects a broader commitment to children’s health, safety and development, while reinforcing the relationships that have defined Blue Bird’s legacy for generations.
While the Go Baby Go event lasted just two days, its impact will be felt far longer. For the children who received customized vehicles, it marks the beginning of new experiences and greater independence. For the students and volunteers involved, it highlights how their skills and time can make a tangible difference. And, for the broader community, it serves as an example of what can be achieved through collaboration.