500 Festival Princess Program Scholarship

Funder: 500 Festival Foundation Inc, in partnership with Marlyne Sexton (Indianapolis philanthropist and president of The Sexton Companies)

Geographic Scope: Indiana (college-aged women from across Indiana)

Program Overview:
The 500 Festival Princess Program is a leadership development program for college-aged women who serve as ambassadors for the 500 Festival, their hometowns, their colleges/universities, and the Indianapolis 500.

Eligibility

• College-aged women from Indiana colleges and universities
• Selection based on:
  • Communication skills
  • Commitment to service
  • Leadership abilities
  • Scholarship (academic record)
  • Professionalism

What Princesses Do

• Serve as ambassadors for the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500
• Participate in community outreach ("outreaches") including:
  • Visiting elementary schools
  • Serving food at homeless shelters
  • Spending time at Riley Children's Hospital
  • Leading Habitat for Humanity builds
  • Visiting senior living communities
  • Meeting with Girl Scout troops
• Volunteer at all 500 Festival events during May
• Participate in 500 Festival Leadership Development Program, presented by BKD

Benefits

• $1,000 scholarship (made possible by 500 Festival Foundation and Marlyne Sexton)
• 500 Festival Leadership Development Program including:
  • Discussions and learning opportunities on: goal setting, office etiquette, personal branding, budgeting, professionalism, time management, leadership, community engagement
  • Professional development events with 500 Festival Princess alumnae, board members, community and business leaders
• Once-in-a-lifetime experiences
• Lifelong connections and friendships with 32 other Princesses
• Networking with 500 Festival board members and community leaders

Selection Process

• First round interviews (typically in January)
• Second round interviews in February (approximately 66 applicants advance)
• 33 total Princesses selected
• Independent panel of community interviewers

Time Commitment

• Full-time college students with existing commitments
• Mandatory event dates throughout semester
• Additional encouraged outreach opportunities during spring
• Travel to Indianapolis for events required

Geographic Coverage

Princesses represent colleges and universities across Indiana, from southern Indiana (Evansville University) to northern Indiana (IPFW)

Program History

• 60+ year program history
• 2018 class set record for highest cumulative GPA (3.72 average)
• Princesses volunteer thousands of hours in community outreach annually

Application Process

Application Submission:

• Complete online application
• Application submitted to 500 Festival (check website for application portal)

Timeline:

1. Fall: Applications open; interest list available
2. January: First round interviews (independent panel of community interviewers)
3. February: Second round interviews (approximately 66 applicants advance from first round)
4. After second round: 33 Princesses selected

Interview Preparation:

• Review resume and online application
• Research the 500 Festival, its events and programs
• Research interview location (parking, drive time, traffic considerations)
• Dress professionally (as you would for a job interview)
• Let personality show in your appearance and demeanor

Interview Details:

• Conducted by successful, engaged community members (business leaders, civic leaders)
• Questions may cover:
  • Collegiate and volunteer experience
  • Items from online application
  • Personal background and interests
• Interviewers determine their own questions
• No single "one size fits all" approach

What to Expect:

• Meet with independent panel of community interviewers
• Opportunity to meet other applicants
• 500 Festival staff, board members, alumnae, and volunteers present
• Professional, supportive environment

Required Materials:

• Online application (specific questions not detailed in provided content)
• Resume
• Demonstrated commitment to service and volunteer work

Selection Criteria:

• Communication skills
• Commitment to service
• Leadership
• Scholarship (academic record)
• Professionalism
• Diverse backgrounds, interests, and majors valued
• Uniqueness and individuality celebrated