11/07/2026 06:24:00
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11/07 18:23 CST Melania Trump and LSU announce $7.2M to endow scholarships for
former foster care students
Melania Trump and LSU announce $7.2M to endow scholarships for former foster
care students
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
Associated Press
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) --- Melania Trump on Saturday announced that Louisiana
State University has raised $7.2 million to provide scholarships through her
"Fostering the Future" program to LSU students who were formerly in foster care.
"This achievement will give young people from foster care an anchor of
stability, a strong educational foundation and a chance to build a wonderful
life," she said at an event with LSU President Wade Rousse and some of the
donors.
The $7.2 million in private donations will fund a permanent endowment for the
scholarships, speakers said. MMR Group Inc., an electrical contracting company
based in Baton Rouge, committed $5 million, with members of the LSU Foundation
raising an additional $2.2 million, they said.
The first lady later attended a college football game between ranked regional
rivals, No. 15 LSU and No. 9 Alabama, another participant in the initiative.
"As adults, we have a moral obligation to our children, especially those in
foster care. But, as you know, we must act to truly make a difference. The
foster care community doesn't need words," she added. She concluded her brief
remarks with, "Now, let's go and enjoy the game."
LSU has 14 scholars under the program and Alabama has nine, she said, part of a
group of 100 students supported across 26 participating colleges and
universities this semester.
The foster care program was featured across campus and at Tiger Stadium. The
first lady watched the game from an enclosed box, and LSU players sported the
logo of her "Be Best" initiative on their helmets and uniforms. Fans received
commemorative white "Be Best" towels to wave during the game.
"Fostering the Future" is an offshoot of the "Be Best" child well-being
initiative that was her signature platform during President Donald Trump's
first term.
Television cameras panned to Melania Trump in the box during the performance of
the national anthem and later when a group of "Fostering the Future" scholars
were recognized on the field. Cheers rose from the stadium when she appeared on
the screen.
A B-52 and a Stealth Bomber flew over before kickoff, followed by a separate
flyover featuring different aircraft at halftime.
Among those visiting with Melania Trump in the suite were Louisiana Gov. Jeff
Landry, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., the LSU president and the
"Fostering the Future" scholars.
The first lady's commemorative coin was flipped during the coin toss, the White
House said. She left the game near the end of the fourth quarter as Alabama led
31-13, which ended up being the final score.
"It was a successful day, incredible game," she said, before boarding the
flight back to Washington.
During the scholarship announcement, Rousse presented Melania Trump with an LSU
helmet sporting the "Be Best" logo and an LSU jersey with her first name and
the number 14, representing the number of enrolled scholars.
"At LSU, we believe talent is everywhere, but we understand that opportunity is
not," Rousse said. "That is why access is one of our highest priorities.
Students who have experienced foster care have already demonstrated resilience,
determination and potential. Our responsibility, our responsibility is to make
sure circumstances beyond their control do not stand between them and a
life-changing higher educational experience."
The first lady started to work on foster care issues after the Republican
president left office in 2021 and created "Fostering the Future" to provide
resources and support, including scholarships.
Earlier this year, Melania Trump was on Capitol Hill to push Congress to pass a
legislative package that would broaden access to services for young people in
foster care by updating a decades-old program. The measures cleared the House
and are pending in the Senate.
She told members of the House Ways and Means Committee that young people in
foster care face barriers to housing, transportation and other challenges
outside of the classroom that affect their performance in school along with
their future financial independence.
Last November, the first lady spearheaded an executive order signed by the
president linking the federal government, colleges and universities, the
private sector and charitable groups to create educational and employment
opportunities for those in foster care.
She also created "Fostering the Future Together," a global version of the
program with more than 45 participating countries.
___
AP Sports Writer Brett Martel in Baton Rouge, La., contributed to this report.
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