Historic gift creates permanent scholarships for LSU students from foster care
First Lady Melania Trump and Louisiana State University (LSU) have secured $7.2 million to create a permanent endowment fund supporting FOSTERING THE FUTURE scholarships for LSU students who have benefited from foster care.
“A good education does more than prepare someone for professional life. It gives something that no one can ever take away. There is nothing more powerful that we can give to a young person than a world-class education,” said First Lady Melania Trump.
The $7.2 million endowment supports First Lady Melania Trump’s FOSTERING THE FUTURE initiative, which provides people in foster care with college scholarships to prepare them to obtain entry-level employment 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 take action to truly make a difference. The foster care community needs no words,” Ms. Trump emphasized the importance of the LSU endowment.
MMR Group has committed $5 million to First Lady Melania Trump’s FOSTERING THE FUTURE, with contributions from additional donors from the LSU Foundation.
“Access is a top priority for LSU because circumstances should not determine whether talent and ambition flourish. MMR Group’s visionary scholarship funding for FOSTERING THE FUTURE from First Lady Melania Trump is transformative for foster youth who aspire to earn a degree from LSU,” said LSU President Wade Rousse.
To celebrate this initiative, First Lady Melania Trump traveled to Baton Rouge for the LSU-Alabama NCAA football game, where FUTURE THE FUTURE was highlighted throughout the stadium.
The high-visibility marketing campaign included BE BEST FOSTERING THE FUTURE branded patches on LSU players’ jerseys, stickers on helmets, cheerleading uniforms during the pregame announcement, mascot outfits, commemorative fan towels and a limited-edition ceremonial football. SEC officials also agreed to use a coin from First Lady Melania Trump’s challenge for the game’s official drawing.
The University of Alabama is also a proud partner of Fostering the Future. “Today, we have fourteen researchers at LSU and nine in Alabama. Across the country, 26 universities are supporting 100 Fostering the Future researchers this semester,” Ms. Trump said.
In closing, First Lady Melania Trump spoke directly to America’s children and youth with foster care experience: “To the Fostering the Future researchers here today and across America: I see you. I believe in you. And I will continue to work to create new opportunities with you.”
First Lady Melania Trump’s full remarks, as prepared for the presentation, are provided below.
I see you. I believe in you.
At some point in a young person’s life, the world may feel like it’s moving too fast. When things are uncertain, it’s difficult to know which direction to take and the future can seem out of reach.
For children placed in foster care, this feeling of drift can be even stronger.
Today, Louisiana State University launches a seven million, two hundred thousand dollar FUTURE FORWARD scholarship endowment fund.
This achievement will give youth in foster care an anchor of stability, a solid educational foundation, and a chance to build a wonderful life.
Thank you, LSU, for providing this benefit to the homestay community. After meeting LSU leaders and this remarkable community, I am not surprised by your success. You have come together to give young people with few resources the tools they need to plan 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, are amplified on the football field, and shape America’s future leaders.
Thank you for welcoming me to Baton Rouge for one of the biggest college football games this year: LSU vs. Alabama. Both universities are part of FOSTERING THE FUTURE.
Although most eyes will be on the athletes today, I encourage you to recognize LSU’s Fostering the Future researchers, who are equally remarkable. Today we have 14 scholars at LSU and nine at Alabama. Across the country, 26 universities are supporting 100 Fostering the Future researchers this semester.
When I launched FOSTERING THE FUTURE in 2021, my vision was clear: every young person in foster care should have the chance to build an extraordinary life. Education is at the center of this plan.
A good education does more than prepare someone for professional life. It gives you something that no one can ever take away. There is nothing more powerful we can offer 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 really make a difference. The foster community doesn’t need words.
To the FUTURE FUTURE researchers here today and across America: I see you. I believe in you. And I will continue to work to create new opportunities with you. Explore the programs, scholarships and resources we have created and make the most of them.
You can now control your own destiny.
PROMOTE THE FUTURE
FOSTERING THE FUTURE, a BE BEST initiative created by First Lady Melania Trump in 2021, secures scholarship opportunities at 26 prestigious colleges and universities across the country for youth with lived experience in foster care.
Through Ms. Trump’s leadership, FOSTERING THE FUTURE advanced historic federal reforms to strengthen the child welfare system, expanded education and housing opportunities for youth aging out of foster care, and secured $30 million for the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence program. Its decree PROMOTING THE FUTURE promotes better 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 committed to opening accounts for children in their states.
Louisiana State University
Rooted in Louisiana and with a presence around 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.
Gn headline
