MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Dr Pepper and 23XI Racing announced Thursday the return of the Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program for this year.
The program provides $5,000 each to 23 college students pursuing their interest in a career in the motorsports industry. Two tuition recipients will also receive an internship in their field with 23XI Racing through the 23XI SPEED Institute.
The Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program was established in 2021 to amplify the efforts of the 23XI SPEED (Scholarship, Professional Education, Executive Development) Institute in support of the team’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals. The initiative continues a longstanding Dr Pepper tradition of supporting academic excellence through sporting events, with the brand having awarded more than $13 million in tuition to deserving students since 2008.
“Tuition giveaways are a time-honored tradition at Dr Pepper,” said John Alvarado, Senior Vice President of Dr Pepper Brand Marketing. “Every year, we are inspired by the students who apply, and greatly admire their academic drive and career ambitions. We look forward to welcoming this year’s class and supporting them in pursuit of their dreams.”
Steve Lauletta, 23XI Racing president, also commented on the news.
“This season our team is racing under the banner of ‘Forward Together,’ and the Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program is another great example of how we are embodying that message with our partners. This program would not be as impactful without the support of Dr Pepper and we look forward to another opportunity to provide the next generation of motorsports professionals with assistance as they pursue their education. We are also looking forward to providing work experience to a select number of Tuition Program recipients. The previous interns have contributed to our team in meaningful ways and we anticipate the same from this year’s group.”
Since the inaugural year in 2021, the program has reached nearly 300 students from across the country and distributed over $230,000 in tuition support. Additionally, 23XI Racing has provided opportunities for nine interns to gain first-hand work experience in an industry they care for deeply.