INDIANAPOLIS (August 4, 2025) – Registration is now open for the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Riley Children’s Health. This free program is available to all Indiana fourth-grade classrooms and runs during the spring semester of the 2025-2026 school year. The curriculum is designed around Indiana academic standards in language arts, health, mathematics, science, social studies, visual arts, and physical education. 

The Education Program provides teachers with ready-to-use lesson plans and engaging classroom materials that bring the 500 Festival, the Indianapolis 500 and their rich Indiana heritage to life for students. 

Toward the end of the program, classrooms can engage in either a Study Trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or a Mobile Trip, where the 500 Festival brings the excitement of a field trip directly to their school. These trips enable students to apply the lessons learned in the classroom to real life. 

“I came to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on a study trip when I was in fourth grade. When I found out we could bring our own students to IMS, I was really excited and knew they would enjoy it,” said Mary Hawkins, a fourth-grade teacher whose class attended a study trip at IMS last year. “Many students don’t know the history of the Speedway or how significant this event is to our state. It’s great to get them out of the classroom and into these immersive experiences to show them there’s more beyond the four walls of our school.” 

Over the last 20 years, this program has impacted over 500,000 students across 20,000 classrooms throughout Indiana.  

“The Education Program offers students a one-of-a-kind learning experience that goes beyond textbooks,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “By connecting classroom subjects to the iconic traditions of the Indianapolis 500, we’re helping educators inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to Indiana’s cultural legacy.” 

To register or learn more about the Education Program, visit 500Festival.com/Education. Registration will remain open until May 22, 2026 at 5 p.m. 

The 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program is supported by: Riley Children’s Health, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 500 Festival Foundation, Regions Bank, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and Penske Truck Rental.