Melania Trump and Louisiana State University have secured $7.2 million for a permanent scholarship endowment supporting students who have experienced foster care.
The first lady announced the fund during a visit to LSU in Baton Rouge on Saturday, 7 November, before attending the university’s American football game against Alabama.
MMR Group, a Baton Rouge-based electrical contractor, provided the initial $5 million commitment. A further $2.2 million was raised by 75 LSU Foundation donors, taking the fund well beyond the original target.
LSU said the endowment is expected to generate about $288,000 a year in perpetuity. It will help eligible students meet the cost of attending the university, including expenses such as accommodation and meals that can remain a significant barrier even when tuition is covered.
Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative
The scholarship is part of Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future programme, which aims to expand educational and employment opportunities for young people who have been in the care system.
LSU became a partner institution earlier this year and currently has 14 scholars supported through the initiative. The University of Alabama, which also took part in Saturday’s event, has nine, while 26 participating universities are supporting 100 scholars between them this semester.
“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,” Mrs Trump said at the announcement.
She added: “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.”
LSU president Wade Rousse said access was one of the university’s highest priorities and that circumstances outside students’ control should not prevent them from pursuing higher education.
“Students who have experienced foster care have already demonstrated resilience, determination and potential,” he said. “Our responsibility is to make sure circumstances beyond their control do not stand between them and a life-changing higher educational experience.”
LSU said the latest fund builds on an earlier commitment from Zoom, which is paying tuition, fees and books for 14 students through scholarships awarded this autumn. The new endowment will provide a permanent source of support and greater flexibility for other living costs.
During the event, Mr Rousse presented Mrs Trump with an LSU helmet bearing the “Be Best” logo and a jersey displaying her first name and the number 14, representing the number of scholars at the university.
The Fostering the Future initiative grew out of Mrs Trump’s Be Best child welfare campaign and was established in 2021. She has also urged Congress to widen support for young people leaving foster care, highlighting barriers involving housing, transport and financial independence.
At Tiger Stadium, the initiative was promoted on players’ helmets and uniforms, while fans were given commemorative white towels. Mrs Trump watched the game from an enclosed box before leaving during the fourth quarter, with Alabama leading 31-13; the visitors went on to win by that score.
