Melania Trump Launches Scholarship Initiative for Foster Youth

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August 21, 2026
Education Human Interest

First lady Melania Trump has introduced a $2 million scholarship initiative as part of her Fostering the Future program. This effort is a collaboration with Fox Corporation and IndyCar, aiming to enhance educational opportunities for individuals transitioning from foster care.

Fox Corporation and IndyCar are equally funding the initiative, with each contributing $1 million. These funds will establish scholarships at Indiana University and Purdue University, specifically for young people with foster care experience. The announcement took place at the White House before the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., a weekend event that intertwines education and sports.

The greatest achievement America can make is not in technology, infrastructure, or capital markets. It’s our children.

Melania Trump shared during the White House event. Joining her were President Donald Trump, FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks, Penske Corporation chairman Roger Penske, IndyCar president Doug Boles, Indiana University president Dr. Pamela Whitten, Purdue University vice provost Cherise Hall, and notable IndyCar drivers. Youths with foster care backgrounds were also present.

During the ceremony, Shanks, an Indiana native and an Indiana University alumnus, along with Boles, presented the first lady with ceremonial checks. Shanks emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Through work that we do every day at FOX Sports, we believe in investing in the future of America. Today, that commitment takes on an entirely new meaning.”

The FOX Sports IndyCar broadcast team and a car adorned with “Be Best” and Fostering the Future branding were featured. As part of the Grand Prix, all race cars will display decals supporting foster youths, with the winning car highlighting this effort specifically.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is the first auto race on the National Mall, celebrating America’s 250th birthday. It will be broadcast live on FS1 and FS2 on Saturday, and on FOX on Sunday, while also streaming on FOX One.

Fostering the Future was created by Melania Trump in 2021 to aid in providing college access, housing, and transition resources for youths outgrowing the foster care system. Nationally, less than 3% of former foster youths earn a college degree, but this initiative strives to address that gap.