Scholarships available for MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive

Scholarships are available to non-profit organizations and community groups serving youths 17 years of age and under who otherwise would be unable to participate in the 2011 MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive, Sunday May 29th, 2011 (visit www.bikethedrive.org for all the information you need)

The Complimentary event registration will recognize 200 outstanding qualified youth groups and organization members. This award is conferred on youths who best demonstrate their potential use of the bicycle as a healthy, economical and nonpolluting form of transportation and recreation.

Groups of 10 members may apply together in one application. It is not necessary for applicants to have experience with bicycles, only the enthusiasm to create change. Groups, however, must bring their own bicycles or plan to rent them at the event. There is a potential opportunity for discounts on rentals–contact us for more information. Groups must also provide their own transportation to and from event.

Ideally groups will consist of:
–8 youths/2 adults
–16 youths/4 adults

Applicant organizations must write a one-page letter explaining why their group deserves the scholarship, and how they intend to become active in the Chicagoland bicycle community.

In the application, be sure to highlight:
–A proven record of excellence by the organization and its youth
–Extra-curricular activities and/or other event participation by the youth

All applications must be submitted by May 9, 2011. Winners will be contacted that week and will need to return completed registration forms with the names of individual participants (youth and chaperones) by May 16, 2011.

Fore more information, contact Katie Leisner, Active Transportation Alliance sponsorship manager, at katie@activetrans.org or 312.427.3325 x241. Applications may be emailed or faxed to Katie’s attention at (312) 427-4907.