From the Robotics Floor to Purdue Classrooms, A Generous Scholarship That Changes Young Lives

For four years, one moment at the Indiana Robotics State Championship has brought tears to the eyes of the crowd. In the middle of a day built around competition and teamwork, two students found out in front of the crowd that Purdue University would be sending them to college on a full tuition and fee scholarship. This year, that moment belonged to Samuel Faris and Grace Griffith.

A Partnership Rooted in Indiana

The Indiana Robotics State Championship is the largest in the nation, and this year it brought more than 2,000 students, 320+ robotics teams, and over 10,000 fans to Lucas Oil Stadium. For the fourth consecutive year, it was also where Purdue University announced the Purdue Robotics Scholarship. 

This scholarship was established in 2022 through a partnership between Purdue University and TechPoint Youth. It was built around the belief that the skills students develop through competitive robotics are exactly what Purdue looks for in its applicants. These students are equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, all qualities that set them apart in college and beyond

Cherise Hall, Vice Provost of Enrollment Management, has been a driving force behind this partnership. This year she spent the day at the championship, walking the floor and meeting students and coaches before taking the stage to announce the award. 

 "The students we see competing here are exactly the type of students that Purdue wants in its classrooms. They have already spent years solving hard problems, leading teams and pushing through challenges. That is what a Purdue education is built on. And it is why we are proud and excited to invest in these promising students and give them the opportunity to pursue and accomplish their own giant leaps." 

She spoke about Purdue's commitment to Indiana, to its students, its talent, and its future. Purdue admits more than 70% of Indiana students who apply and offers more than 200 majors across its West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses. The Purdue Robotics Scholarship is one of the most direct ways that commitment shows up.

Samuel Faris — Covenant Christian High School, Team 7368M

Samuel came to Lucas Oil to compete. He was focused on his team, wrapping up his senior season, and finishing his robotics career well. Then Hall called his name and brought him down from the stands to the stage, and the day became one he will never forget. Samuel has been accepted into the First Year Engineering program, with plans to major in Civil Engineering. Samuel’s goal is to eventually design roads that connect Indiana’s communities. He will continue building on the foundation he developed through his years in TechPoint Youth programs and on the competition floor.

Grace Griffith — Valparaiso High School, Team 2790E

Grace spent the morning as Hall's personal guide through the championship. As president of the TechPoint Youth Student Advisory Council, she knew the event well and was glad to share it with her. She had been by Hall's side all day when Hall stepped to the microphone and called out her name. Grace has also been accepted into the First Year Engineering program, with plans to major in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. She hopes to eventually work for a major space corporation as an engineer. Her path to Purdue was built in robotics competitions and in the leadership roles she took on throughout her time with TechPoint Youth.

Samuel and Grace are the sixth and seventh students to receive the Purdue Robotics Scholarship since 2022. The scholarship's first recipient, Abby Beauchamp, is now a senior at Purdue majoring in Industrial Engineering. Thanks to the Purdue Robotics Scholarship, Abby has been able to say yes to leadership roles, mentorship programs, and clubs without sacrificing any piece of her education to stay afloat financially. Her success is a testament to what this partnership was built to do. 

We believe every student deserves access to programs that help them discover what they are capable of, regardless of where they grow up or what resources they have. The Purdue Robotics Scholarship is what it looks like when a university shares that belief and acts on it. Congratulations, Samuel and Grace. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish.