Melania Trump announced $2 million in scholarships to Indiana University and Purdue University in partnership with IndyCar and Fox Sports on Aug. 20 during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.
The partnership includes 24 other institutions and is a part of Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative, a nationwide effort she founded in 2021 to give funding opportunities for higher education to fostered youth.
During the ceremony, IU President Pamela Whitten and other recipients were presented a giant check, including representatives from Purdue University, Fox and IndyCar. The scholarship money was donated by IndyCar and Fox through Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative.
“Tomorrow’s leaders are sitting in classrooms today, including those growing up in foster care,” Melania Trump said during her speech. “Their capability is no less remarkable.”
Fox Sports CEO and Executive Producer Eric Shanks spoke at the ceremony. Shanks, an IU alumnus, said Fox is proud to partner with IU and Purdue.
“Standing here today as we talk about the crossroads of sports and opportunity and community, it fills me with great pride as a native of Indiana and an IU alum,” Shanks said. “Thank you, Pam.”
Along with Whitten and Shanks, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, IndyCar President Doug Boles, Penske Corporation CEO Roger Penske and Purdue’s Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Cherise Hall attended the ceremony.
The announcement was featured during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix race on Sunday in Washington D.C., which was aired on Fox and Fox One.
