First Lady Melania Trump and LSU Establish $7.2 Million Fostering the Future Endowment Fund

Historic Donation Creates Permanent Scholarships for LSU Students From Foster Care

First Lady Melania Trump and Louisiana State University (LSU) have secured $7.2 Million to establish a permanent endowment fund supporting FOSTERING THE FUTURE scholarships for LSU students who experienced foster care.

"A great education does more than prepare someone for work life. It gives something no one can ever take away. There is nothing more powerful we can give a young person than a world-class education," said First Lady Melania Trump.

The $7.2 Million endowment advances First Lady Melania Trump's FOSTERING THE FUTURE initiative which provides individuals from foster care with academic scholarships to prepare them to secure an entry-level job and become financially independent.

"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," Mrs. Trump highlighted the importance of the LSU endowment.

MMR Group committed $5 million to First Lady Melania Trump's FOSTERING THE FUTURE, with contributions from additional LSU Foundation donors.

"Access is a top priority for LSU, because circumstances should not determine whether talent and ambition thrive. MMR Group's visionary scholarship funding for First Lady Melania Trump's FOSTERING THE FUTURE is transformative for youth from foster care who aspire to earn an LSU degree," said LSU President Wade Rousse.

To celebrate the initiative, First Lady Melania Trump visited Baton Rouge for the LSU-Alabama NCAA football game, where FOSTERING THE FUTURE was prominently showcased across the stadium.

The high-visibility marketing campaign featured branded BE BEST FOSTERING THE FUTURE patches on LSU players' jerseys, helmet decals, cheerleader uniforms during the pre-game announcement event, mascot attire, commemorative fan towels, and a limited-edition ceremonial football. SEC officials also agreed to use a First Lady Melania Trump Challenge Coin for the game's official coin toss.

The University of Alabama is also a proud Fostering the Future partner. "Today, we have fourteen scholars at LSU and nine at Alabama. Across the country, 26 universities are supporting 100 Fostering the Future scholars this semester," said Mrs. Trump.

In closing, First Lady Melania Trump spoke directly to America's children and youth with experience in foster care, "To the Fostering the Future scholars here today, and throughout America: I see you. I believe in you. And I will keep working to create new opportunities with you."

First Lady Melania Trump's full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are provided below.

I see you. I believe in you.

At some point in a young person's life, the world can feel like it's moving too fast. When things are uncertain, it's hard to know which way to go, and the future can seem out of reach.

For children navigating foster care, that feeling of drifting can feel even stronger.

Today, Louisiana State University is launching a Seven Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollar FOSTERING THE FUTURE scholarship endowment fund.

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.

Thank you, LSU, for giving the foster care community this advantage. After meeting LSU's leadership and this remarkable community, I am not surprised by your achievement. You have united by giving young people with few resources the tools to chart their own futures.

MMR and the generous donors who made this seven million two-hundred-thousand-dollar milestone possible, know that investing in young people will create opportunities for Baton Rouge for many generations. This is very good for America.

LSU defines excellence. Your high standards start in the classroom, amplifies on the football field, and shapes America's future leaders.

Thank you for welcoming me to Baton Rouge for one of this year's greatest college football games: LSU versus Alabama. Both universities are part of FOSTERING THE FUTURE.

While most eyes will be on the athletes today, I encourage you to recognize LSU's Fostering the Future scholars, who are just as remarkable. Today, we have 14 scholars at LSU and nine at Alabama. Across the country, 26 universities are supporting 100 Fostering the Future scholars this semester.

When I started FOSTERING THE FUTURE in 2021, my vision was clear: every young person from foster care should have the chance to build an extraordinary life. Education is the center of that plan.

A great education does more than prepare someone for work life. It gives something no one can ever take away. There is nothing more powerful we can give a young person than a world-class education.

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.

To the FOSTERING THE FUTURE scholars here today, and throughout America: I see you. I believe in you. And I will keep working to create new opportunities with you. Explore the programs, scholarships, and resources we have created, and make the most of them.

You can control your own destiny now.

FOSTERING THE FUTURE
FOSTERING THE FUTURE, a BE BEST initiative established by First Lady Melania Trump in 2021, secures scholarship opportunities at 26 prestigious colleges and universities across the nation for young people with lived experience in foster care.

Through Mrs. Trump's leadership, FOSTERING THE FUTURE has advanced landmark federal reforms to strengthen the child welfare system, expanded educational and housing opportunities for youth transitioning out of foster care, and secured $30 million for the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence program. Her FOSTERING THE FUTURE Executive Order advances greater access to education, employment, housing, and financial independence. She also launched FOSTERING THE FUTURE Accounts, America's first savings and investment initiative dedicated to building long-term financial security for youth in foster care, with 26 governors already pledging to establish accounts for children in their states.

Louisiana State University
Rooted in Louisiana and reaching across the world, Louisiana State University educates and prepares future leaders, drives transformative research and innovation, and translates knowledge into solutions that improve health, strengthen communities and expand human potential.