The Sterling Strohauer Adventure Scholarship

In honor of a life lived with curiosity, laughter, and big-hearted adventure.

We’re launching this scholarship in memory of Sterling Paul Alexander Strohauer – may he live long in all our memories.

Sterling was an adventurer through and through, and although he wasn’t a cyclist, he was an active supporter who embodied the Homegrown spirit. He embraced new experiences, new places, and new people. He was the kind of person who pulled friends together, made life fun, and turned ordinary days into something worth remembering.

To honor that spirit, we’re creating an opportunity for college students who are wired the same way: curious, open, up for an adventure, and ready to turn a weekend just south of Atlanta into something bigger than a bike ride.

This scholarship will be awarded to two out-of-state students, two Georgia students, and two Alabama students. Each recipient will be invited to join us at Homegrown Gravel Adventure at any distance and any skill level. We’ll remove as many barriers as we can so you can simply show up and experience it fully.

What the Scholarship Covers

If you’re selected, we’ll cover:

  • Your event entry to Homegrown Gravel Adventure
  • Your housing for the event weekend (Camping, Guest housing, or an Airbnb close by with the other scholarship riders)
  • Travel support arranged in the easiest, most reasonable way based on where you’re coming from

Our goal is to make it possible for you to say “yes” to an experience you might not otherwise get to have.

Who Should Apply

This isn’t a speed contest or a “must-have-results” scholarship. It’s for college students who:

  • Are currently enrolled in a college or university (any major)
  • Are curious about new things — whether you’re already a cyclist or adventure-curious and want to try something new (of course, knowing how to ride a bike, while not required, is admittedly helpful—but if you think otherwise, convince us)
  • Are excited about meeting new people, trying new things, and stepping outside their comfort zone
  • Are willing to share their story and bring positive energy to the event, on or off the bike

How to Apply

Fill out the short application form at the bottom of this page. You’ll be asked for:

  • Basic information about you (school, where you’re from, how to reach you)
  • A paragraph or short essay explaining:
    • Why this kind of adventure appeals to you
    • How you approach new experiences or moments outside your comfort zone
    • How you bring people together or make life more fun for those around you
    • Why you feel you’d be a great fit for Homegrown and for a scholarship given in Sterling’s honor

Think of it as: “Tell us your story and why this experience matters to you.”

How We’ll Choose

We’ll review all applications and select recipients who we think best reflect the spirit of Sterling and gravel riding. We’re looking for:

  • A sense of adventure — a willingness to try something new, even if it’s a little intimidating
  • Curiosity and openness — discovering a new place, new people, and a new kind of event
  • Community-mindedness — people who lift others up, connect friends, and bring good energy
  • Grit and heart — you don’t have to be fast, just ready to give your best and embrace the experience

We’re not looking for the “most accomplished” cyclists. We’re choosing people we believe Sterling would have loved hanging out with for the weekend.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” or if you know a student who fits this perfectly, send them our way.

With love,
Wayne, Jennifer, Isabella, Dave and Lisa and the entire Homegrown Gravel Adventure team.

For Sterling, for the next adventure, and for the stories we’ll all get to tell afterward.

APPLY BELOW

Application deadline: December 24, Midnight
Selection notifications: January 4 by 5:00PM EST