PRESS RELEASE 7-27-2023
Della Penna Foundation Celebrates Second Year Promoting Diversity in Motorsports with Karting Scholarship
The Della Penna Foundation, a not-for-profit dedicated to driving change in motorsports, announced today the first Della Penna Scholar, Jordyn Cummings. Cummings, a high school junior from Indianapolis, is currently attending the karting program at NXG Youth Motorsports.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Cummings. “First to be sponsored by the GLAM program to learn to kart and now to be the first Della Penna Scholar, attending the entire program. I can’t wait to start competing!”
Founded in 2021 by Michelle Della Penna, The Della Penna Foundation is the only organization of its kind with programs designed to attract girls before they drop out of STEM or lose interest in sports. Click to read more.
Michelle grew up on the track alongside her father, often being the only girl there. John Della Penna was a renowned Indycar driver and team owner who immigrated to the United States from Argentina at the age of 20 with the dream of racing cars. He understood the incredible sacrifices and deep financial investments that motorsport demands. After a successful career as an entrepreneur, Michelle decided it was time to change the industry. In 2021, she founded the Della Penna Foundation, whose mission is to empower girls with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to fuel a future in motorsports, whether behind the wheel, on the pit road, in the front office, or in the research labs.
Why girls from 5 to 16 years old and why now?
"If you don't see it, you can't be it" and there are very few women in prominent positions.
Statistics show that between the ages of 9 and 16, girls drop out of STEM classes and close the door on a future in technology.
NGX and Jordyn Cummings Empowered Weekend
Della Penna Foundation's first scholar, Jordyn Cummings accepting her medal for winning the final race of the MA500 Program. This incredibly successful young woman was second overall in the MA500 program out of the entire NXG Driving gang who has been working hard all year. Her support squad was lead by her incredible mother, two siblings, young nephew and DPF's Susan Lucas-Conwell. We are excited to see her future in motorsports and continue supporting her along the way!!! You can see more photos in our gallery.
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WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW:
Michelle spoke at WINMA November 7-8th.
We will be announcing a 2024 scholarship for karting, stay tuned.
SUPPORT OUR PROGRAM
A Contributor level donation of $50 will receive a drawstring bag.
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A Supporter level donation of $100 will get mentioned on the website, the programs, and brochures for the events.
A Donor level contribution of $250 will get mentioned on the website, the programs, brochures
for the events.
A Benefactor level donation of $500 gets all of that plus VIP guest opportunities to attend select events.
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For donations over $500 please contact
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Della Penna Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization. Our Federal Tax ID is 87-0897405.
We are recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be tax deductible.
Please consult your tax professional to determine deductibility.
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SPONSORS
Daytona $25k
Anonymous
Monza $10k
Watkins Glen $5k
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