Fox News establishes Charles Krauthammer memorial scholarship

Fox News announced Thursday that it has partnered with the National Merit Scholarship Program to establish a memorial scholarship in the name of former commentator Charles Krauthammer.

Krauthammer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist and longtime conservative commentator on Fox News, died in June at the age of 68 after a battle with intestinal cancer.

“Charles was a beloved member of the Fox News family, but more importantly, he was an incredible mentor and role model for millions of Americans across the country,” Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott said in a statement.

“We are proud to honor Charles, his legacy, impact and countless contributions with a new scholarship program enabling the next generation of thought leaders the opportunity and education they need to reach their dreams.”

Krauthammer was best known to Fox viewers for his perspective on a panel for “Special Report with Bret Baier,” discussions that occupied most of the second half of the program. He also appeared regularly on “Fox News Sunday” with Chris Wallace.

“Established by FOX News for the eligible children of network employees, the Dr. Charles Krauthammer Memorial Scholarship will award winners $2,000 per college year for a maximum of four years,” the network’s announcement reads.

“All aspects of the program, including the selection of winners and the administration of their awards, will be conducted through the National Merit Scholarship Program by the independent, not-for-profit National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Applications will be accepted by NMSC through March 31, 2019 and winners will be announced in the spring of 2020.”

In a letter shared just weeks before his death, the Harvard graduate and physician said that a “secondary cancer” had spread after doctors successfully removed a tumor in his abdomen.

“My doctors tell me their best estimate is that I have only a few weeks left to live. This is the final verdict. My fight is over,” Krauthammer wrote on June 8.