A $2 million donation from IndyCar and Fox Sports will fund scholarships at Indiana and Purdue universities as part of a partnership with Melania Trump's Fostering the Future initiative.

First lady Melania Trump established the Fostering the Future initiative during President Donald Trump's first term in 2021. The program provides merit-based scholarships to individuals who have experienced the foster care system.

"Fostering the Future is more than an educational initiative; it is a generational investment in America's talent pipeline," Melania Trump said during a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House on Aug. 20. "The return on this investment is measured not only in lives changed for the better, but in stronger communities, a more competitive nation, and a future powered by American ingenuity."

The donation was made during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., which took place in the nation's capital Aug. 22-23. The event, held in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, was sponsored by IndyCar.

A woman passes a sign for this weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
A woman passes a sign for this weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
Members of the National Guard maintain a presence on a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue that has been transformed into a section of race track for this weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
Members of the National Guard maintain a presence on a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue that has been transformed into a section of race track for this weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
The U.S. Capitol stands beyond a banner for the weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
The U.S. Capitol stands beyond a banner for the weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: A commuter passes under track construction for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: A commuter passes under track construction for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: A visitor walks at the National Archives along the route for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: A visitor walks at the National Archives along the route for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: Road signage in front of the U.S. Capitol along the route for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: Road signage in front of the U.S. Capitol along the route for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
People stand on a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue that has been transformed into a section of race track for this weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
People stand on a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue that has been transformed into a section of race track for this weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
Workers prepare a sign for this weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
Workers prepare a sign for this weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
A man crosses a section of race track near the U.S. Capitol as preparations continue for weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
A man crosses a section of race track near the U.S. Capitol as preparations continue for weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: Construction crews assemble grandstands in front of the U.S. Capitol along the route for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: Construction crews assemble grandstands in front of the U.S. Capitol along the route for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
People walk under a tent near the grandstand for this weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
People walk under a tent near the grandstand for this weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: Visitors walk on the National Mall ahead of the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 13, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: Visitors walk on the National Mall ahead of the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 13, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: A commuter drives past signage along the route for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: A commuter drives past signage along the route for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 12, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo (Nathan Howard, REUTERS)
A man jogs a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue that has been transformed into a section of race track for this weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
A man jogs a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue that has been transformed into a section of race track for this weekend's Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Kevin Lamarque, REUTERS)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 19: The Indy Car race track is visible down Pennsylvania Avenue for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 19: The Indy Car race track is visible down Pennsylvania Avenue for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
Workers continue setting up ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with practice and qualifying on Saturday before the main NTT IndyCar Series race on Sunday, August 23. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images) (KENT NISHIMURA, AFP via Getty Images)
Workers continue setting up ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with practice and qualifying on Saturday before the main NTT IndyCar Series race on Sunday, August 23. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images) (KENT NISHIMURA, AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 19: Tires are seen on the Indy Car race track on 7th St for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 19: Tires are seen on the Indy Car race track on 7th St for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 19: Tires are seen on the Indy Car race track on 7th St for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 19: Tires are seen on the Indy Car race track on 7th St for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: The U.S. Capitol Building is visible behind Freedom 250 Grand Prix Chairman Bud Denker as he stands in front of a Chevrolet Corvette official car on the Indy Car race track along Pennsylvania Avenue for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: The U.S. Capitol Building is visible behind Freedom 250 Grand Prix Chairman Bud Denker as he stands in front of a Chevrolet Corvette official car on the Indy Car race track along Pennsylvania Avenue for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)
Workers continue setting up ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with practice and qualifying on Saturday before the main NTT IndyCar Series race on Sunday, August 23. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images) (KENT NISHIMURA, AFP via Getty Images)
Workers continue setting up ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with practice and qualifying on Saturday before the main NTT IndyCar Series race on Sunday, August 23. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images) (KENT NISHIMURA, AFP via Getty Images)
Workers continue setting up ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with practice and qualifying on Saturday before the main NTT IndyCar Series race on Sunday, August 23. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images) (KENT NISHIMURA, AFP via Getty Images)
Workers continue setting up ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with practice and qualifying on Saturday before the main NTT IndyCar Series race on Sunday, August 23. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images) (KENT NISHIMURA, AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: The U.S. Capitol Building is visible at the finish line of the Indy Car race track for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: The U.S. Capitol Building is visible at the finish line of the Indy Car race track for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: The U.S. Capitol Building is visible behind Freedom 250 Grand Prix Chairman Bud Denker as he stands in front of a Chevrolet Corvette official car on the Indy Car race track along Pennsylvania Avenue for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: The U.S. Capitol Building is visible behind Freedom 250 Grand Prix Chairman Bud Denker as he stands in front of a Chevrolet Corvette official car on the Indy Car race track along Pennsylvania Avenue for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 19: The Indy Car race track is visible down Pennsylvania Avenue for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 19: The Indy Car race track is visible down Pennsylvania Avenue for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Final preparations continue for this weekend's inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic two-day NTT IndyCar Series street race past iconic National Mall landmarks to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
Signage is seen on fencing in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026, ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with practice and qualifying on Saturday before the main NTT IndyCar Series race on Sunday, August 23. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images) (KENT NISHIMURA, AFP via Getty Images)
Signage is seen on fencing in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026, ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with practice and qualifying on Saturday before the main NTT IndyCar Series race on Sunday, August 23. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images) (KENT NISHIMURA, AFP via Getty Images)

"The first lady is an incredible champion for students across the county, and this initiative is critical to unlocking a more promising future for so many bright young minds," IndyCar President, Douglas Boles, said during the ceremony.

IU and Purdue now join 20 other higher education institutions that offer Fostering the Future Scholarships, including the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.

IU and Purdue did not immediately respond to IndyStar's requests for comment.

Grace Randolph is an Ida B. Wells investigative intern for IndyStar. She can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar, Fox Sports donate to IU, Purdue through Melania Trump program