The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) "Roads Scholar"(tm) program is a program created to benefit post-collegiate male and female runners who, while struggling financially, show promise and a willingness to compete and develop into accomplished, world-class athletes. Avon Running - Global Women's Circuit, will generate funds for the RRCA "Roads Scholar"(tm) program through the donation of a portion of every participant's registration fee from each Avon race in the United States, set to launch in early 1998.

Since the RRCA "Roads Scholar"(tm) program's launch in November 1995, donations have come from a multitude of clubs, businesses, organizations and individuals enabling the first grants to be given out in the Fall of 1996. These annual grants of $4,000 provide critical aid to aspiring young runners who need money to defray travel expenses, gain access to various forms of athletic therapy and coaching, or simply to pay the rent while they train.

Grant applicants are evaluated by a distinguished panel of racing experts including: RRCA President Don Kardong; Joan Benoit Samuelson, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist; Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of the Boston and New York Marathons; and Henley Gabeau, RRCA Executive Director, among others.

This year, more than sixty applicants vied for four grants, with the number of applicants expected to increase dramatically for next year's selections.

The Road Runners Club of America is an organization comprising more than 600 clubs in 48 states and Guam that promotes grassroots running.