Director University Seeks Sponsors for RDU Academy: $50,000 Scholarship Fund to Train Next Generation of Event Leaders

January 22, 2026

Industry Brands Can Shape Tomorrow's Decision-Makers Through Youth Leadership Program Launching Summer 2026

DeKalb, Ill. (January 22, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Race Director University (RDU) is seeking sponsors to fund RDU Academy, a youth leadership development program designed to train the next generation of endurance event professionals. The initiative aims to raise $50,000 to provide 100 scholarships for young people ages 15-18 entering the field.

RDU Academy addresses a critical industry challenge: the endurance events market generates $2.5 billion annually across 35,000 events, but has no formal pipeline for developing future leadership. The program offers sponsors direct access to shape the professionals who will manage events—and make purchasing decisions—for the next forty years.

“Sponsors spend millions reaching today’s race directors,” said Gregory J. Evans, founder and CEO of Race Director University. “RDU Academy lets you invest in the people who will be running events in 2030, 2040, and beyond. These aren’t volunteers. These are future decision-makers learning your brand from day one.”

The program combines online coursework with a two-to-three day live training intensive in the Chicago metropolitan area. Participants learn event operations, sponsorship activation, course design, timing systems, and business fundamentals—technical knowledge typically acquired only through years of trial and error.

Sponsorship tiers range from $500 to $100,000, offering scalable involvement for brands of all sizes:

FOUNDING PILLAR PARTNER ($100,000+): Premier positioning across all RDU platforms, keynote speaking opportunity at Academy graduation, first-access hiring pipeline to Academy graduates, named scholarship cohort.

CHAMPIONSHIP PARTNER ($50,000-$99,999): Major brand recognition, multiple named scholarships, featured case study in RDU curriculum, exclusive networking with Academy participants.

MARATHON PARTNER ($25,000-$49,999): Named scholarships, logo placement on Academy materials, feature in RDU Finish Line Report newsletter.

HALF MARATHON PARTNER ($10,000-$24,999): Individual named scholarship, logo recognition, social media features.

GOLD PARTNER ($5,000): Ten scholarship contributions, logo placement, newsletter recognition.

SILVER PARTNER ($2,500): Five scholarship contributions, logo placement, social media recognition.

BRONZE PARTNER ($500): Single scholarship contribution, name listed on Academy sponsor roster.

Academy sponsors gain more than visibility. Product integration opportunities allow brands to incorporate their equipment, technology, or services directly into the training curriculum. Timing companies, registration platforms, apparel brands, and event suppliers can demonstrate their products to young professionals who will specify and purchase these solutions throughout their careers.

Sponsorship inquiries: racedirectoruniversity.com/partners

Program details: racedirectoruniversity.com – RDU Academy

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ABOUT RACE DIRECTOR UNIVERSITY

Race Director University is the first national certification program for race directors in the United States, established in 2012. RDU provides professional education, certification, and resources for endurance event professionals through its online platform and mobile app, connecting a growing network of certified directors with industry sponsors and partners. Learn more at racedirectoruniversity.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Gregory J. Evans
Founder & CEO, Race Director University
greg@racedirectoruniversity.com
(630) 327-1619