Students to explore the history of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 through unique activities and educational lessons 

INDIANAPOLIS (July 17, 2023) – The 500 Festival announces that registration is open for the 2024 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health. The Education Program takes place during the spring months of the 2023-2024 school year and is free and open to all Indiana fourth-grade classrooms.  

The Education Program equips fourth-grade educators with engaging lesson plans and classroom materials that allow students to explore the significant role of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 in Indiana’s history and culture. The program’s curriculum is based on Indiana Academic Standards for language arts, health, math, science, social studies, visual arts, and physical education.  

Fourth-grade classrooms will have the opportunity to participate in a Study Trip, which takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or a Mobile Trip, where the 500 Festival brings the fun of a field trip to their school. The Study Trips and Mobile Trips culminate the program and bring the classroom lessons to life. 

Now in its 20th year, the program has impacted more than 422,000 students in more than 17,000 classrooms throughout the state of Indiana.  

“The Education Program impacts Indiana students in a positive way by providing a unique educational experience to learn about the significance of the Indianapolis 500 in our state’s history and culture” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Students are also able to explore the impact of STEM education and discover career opportunities for their future.”  

“The Education Program is often the first time Hoosier kids really get to know about the importance of the Indianapolis 500 to our Hoosier heritage,” said J. Douglas Boles, IMS President. “In addition, students have fun learning essential facts about our state, while connecting the Indianapolis 500 to other classroom activities and applying those lessons to real life.” 

“Indiana University Health is proud to support the 500 Education Program and inspire the young minds that partake. Our support further signifies our continued commitment and investment in the communities we serve,” says Nichole Wilson, vice president of IU Health Community Health Operations. 

To register or learn more about the Education Program, visit 500Festival.com/Education or search #500EdProg on social media. 

The 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program is supported by: Indiana University Health, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 500 Festival Foundation, Regions Bank, NTT IndyCar Series, AAA Hoosier Motor Club, and Honda. 

About the 500 Festival 

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and fostering a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit 500festival.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   

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