Young Pioneers

Every year, approximately 600 Indiana University students participate in the Men's and Women's Little 500 bicycle races in Bloomington, Indiana. Not only does this iconic Hoosier race offer an incredible leadership opportunity for students racing in and volunteering for the race, but it also generates critical financial support for deserving IU students.

In addition to competing on the track, Little 500 teams also compete off the track as well. Each year, teams raise funds that go directly to Little 500 rider scholarships—this program is for the riders, by the riders. Funds raised in our Cycling for Scholarships program also contribute to the IU Student Foundation’s portion of the For All IU campaign, which will supplement the development of student leaders for years to come.

You can show your support by helping your favorite Little 500 team's Cycling for Scholarships effort, or simply "play the field" by making a gift in honor of all the men and women who will make the 2017 Little 500 weekend another great success. 

This year, every team that raises $500+ will be entered into a contest to wear a candy-stripe jersey on race day. Teams will submit an essay or video compilation explaining why they, as a team, ride in the Little 500. Essays and videos will be judged by IUSF philanthropy committee students, and the winning men’s and women’s teams will be announced at our Final Race Briefing on Monday, April 17. 

You can make a gift today, or go the extra mile and use the "fundraise for this campaign" button to personally help fundraise for your team. This can provide them with the opportunity to win this year's Cycling for Scholarships competition and have the honor of wearing the first candy stripe jersey on race day.