Indianapolis, Indiana – In an effort to support and uplift young people in the Central Indiana community, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) has teamed up with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) to launch a campaign aimed at recruiting 500 new mentors, or “Bigs,” by the time the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 25. The initiative, officially announced on March 19, is part of an ongoing effort to address the growing need for mentorship in the region.
With over 1,200 young people currently on the waiting list for a mentor, the campaign, aptly named “500 Bigs by the Indy 500,” is calling on community members to step up and make a difference. The collaboration between BBBSCI and IMS aims to highlight the urgent need for mentors and inspire more people to take the first step toward making a lasting impact on a child’s life.
“IMS is excited to partner with BBBSCI yet again to connect more kids with impactful mentors,” said Penske Entertainment Senior Vice President Allison Melangton. “We understand the importance of connection within our community, and we hope to bring more people together through both racing and mentorship this season.”
BBBSCI has been serving the Central Indiana community for over 50 years, providing young people with evidence-based mentorship experiences designed to foster personal growth, resilience, and academic success. According to BBBSCI, mentorship offers significant long-term benefits for young individuals, the economy, and society as a whole:
• Positive Impact on Young People – Studies show that mentorship leads to improved health outcomes, reduced isolation, and longer life expectancy. Additionally, individuals with positive mentor relationships are:
o Twice as likely to hold leadership positions;
o 41% less likely to engage in substance abuse;
o Twice as likely to enroll in post-secondary education.
• Economic Benefits – By fostering economic connections and upward mobility, mentorship has been shown to lead to higher lifetime earnings for individuals who had strong mentors in their youth.
• Stronger Communities – Mentorship strengthens social connections across socioeconomic, racial, and geographic divides, helping build a more inclusive and connected society.
Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI, emphasized the importance of community support in ensuring every child has a chance to thrive. “There is no city that rallies around their community like Indianapolis, and we are so grateful to IMS for collaborating with us again to give back to our community. Mentorship is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to change the trajectory of a kid’s life. With so many young people asking for another supportive person in their corner, we know that Central Indiana will show up to make sure that every child feels seen, appreciated, and valued.”
Becoming a Big through BBBSCI requires a one-year commitment, during which mentors meet with their mentees, or “Littles,” for four to six hours per month. The program provides numerous opportunities for Bigs and Littles to participate in engaging activities, either through BBBSCI-sponsored events or within their local communities.
With the excitement of the Indy 500 building, IMS and BBBSCI are hopeful that the campaign will generate widespread support and encourage more people to become mentors. The partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to creating meaningful connections and fostering a brighter future for young individuals in Central Indiana.
Those interested in becoming a Big can learn more at www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer. More details about the “500 Bigs by the Indy 500” campaign can be found at www.bebigforkids.org/500by500.
