Melania Trump announces millions in funding to help foster children attend university
The US First Lady has secured millions in private donations to help young people with experience of foster care access higher education.
Melania Trump has helped secure $7.2 million in private donations to support university students who have experienced foster care.
The US First Lady, 56, announced the scholarship fund during a visit to Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge on Saturday (07.11.26).
The money will establish a permanent endowment through her 'Fostering the Future' initiative, helping young people pay for higher education.
Electrical contracting company MMR Group pledged $5 million, while 75 donors connected to the LSU Foundation contributed a further $2.2 million.
The fund is expected to generate around $288,000 annually, covering educational expenses and helping eligible students with accommodation costs.
Melania said the investment would provide young people with greater stability and opportunities to build successful lives.
She told the gathering: "There is nothing more powerful we can give a young person than a world-class education."
The First Lady also urged adults to take practical steps to help children who have spent time in care.
She said: "The foster care community doesn't need words."
LSU president Wade Rousse praised the initiative, explaining that young people's circumstances should not prevent them from achieving their educational ambitions.
The university currently supports 14 students through the programme, while the University of Alabama has nine scholarship recipients.
Across the United States, 100 students are receiving assistance at 26 participating colleges and universities this semester.
Following the announcement, Melania attended LSU's college football game against Alabama at Tiger Stadium.
Players wore patches promoting her 'Be Best' campaign, while fans received commemorative towels bearing the initiative's logo.
The First Lady was also presented with a personalised LSU jersey featuring the number 14, representing the university's scholarship recipients.
Before returning to Washington, Melania revealed that the endowment had already increased to $7.5 million.
She described meeting the students as a rewarding experience.
Melania established 'Fostering the Future' in 2021 as an extension of her 'Be Best' initiative, which focuses on children's wellbeing.
