Scholarships available for MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive

Who: 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

When: Sunday May 29th, 2011; look here for additional details

What: Complimentary event registration

Why: To recognize 200 outstanding qualified youth group and organization members

How: This award is conferred on the 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.

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