INDIANAPOLIS (September 17, 2025) – Young women across Indiana can now apply for the 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis. The program celebrates Indiana college-age women who demonstrate leadership, a commitment to service, and embody the Hoosier spirit. Applications are open at 500Festival.com/Princess through January 4, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. 

Selected Princesses will serve as ambassadors for the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 and will participate in community service projects and outreach from February through May.  

Key Program Highlights:  

• Leadership and Community Involvement: Princesses represent the 500 Festival, demonstrating strong leadership skills and a commitment to positively impacting on their schools, community, and Indiana. 

• Scholarship Opportunities: Each Princess receives a $1,500 scholarship made possible by Marlyne Sexton and the 500 Festival Foundation.  

• Professional Development: Princesses gain mentorship from the 500 Festival Board of Directors, develop leadership and public speaking skills, and access unique networking opportunities.    

• A Rich Tradition: Since 1959, over 2,500 women have served as 500 Festival Princesses, highlighting the program’s role in empowering young female leaders.  

“The 500 Festival Princess Program creates a once in a lifetime experience for Hoosier women,” said Zoe Brock, 2025 500 Festival Princess. “The Indianapolis 500 has such a rich legacy that has touched the lives of so many Hoosiers. Being able to be a part of that history is both an honor and privilege, something that you can only achieve with the 500 Festival Princess Program.” 

Top applicants will interview with an independent panel of community leaders on January 24 in Indianapolis. From there, 66 will advance to a second round on February 7, after which 33 will be selected to serve as the 2026 500 Festival Princesses.  

Selection is based on the following categories:  

• Communication skills 

• Commitment to service 

• Academic excellence  

• Leadership 

• Professionalism 

To learn more about the 500 Festival Princess Program and its eligibility requirements, please visit 500Festival.com/Princess.  

Support of the 500 Festival Princess Program is provided by The National Bank of Indianapolis, Marlyne Sexton (in memoriam), Khamis Fine Jewelers, Wildman Business Group, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the 500 Festival Foundation.   

To learn more about the 500 Festival’s events and programs, please visit 500festival.com.