Melania Trump to Announce $5 Million Foster Care Endowment at LSU

A 2025 review of research found that 8% to 12% of people with foster care experience earn a two- or four-year degree by their mid- to late 20s. To address barriers to college completion, First Lady Melania Trump is scheduled to visit Louisiana State University this Saturday to announce a $5 million permanent endowment for students who have been in foster care.

The announcement will take place during a campus ceremony held before the LSU-Alabama football game. While the First Lady will attend the game at Tiger Stadium, President Donald Trump will not be in attendance. The endowment will support Fostering the Future scholarships for LSU students who have experienced the foster care system.

Fostering the Future Initiative

The endowment is part of the Fostering the Future program, which the First Lady established in 2021 as a component of her Be Best initiative. The program is designed to help secure scholarship opportunities at various colleges and universities for individuals with foster care experience.

Currently, more than 20 schools offer Fostering the Future scholarships. Participating institutions include:

• Vanderbilt University
• University of Virginia
• University of North Carolina
• University of Texas
• University of Wisconsin
• University of Georgia
• Ohio State University

Investment in Louisiana Students

The Office of the First Lady stated that the $5 million fund was secured alongside LSU to create a permanent source of support for these students. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Secretary Rebecca Harris noted that the investment aims to help students build bright futures.

“I’m grateful to First Lady Melania Trump and LSU for investing in Louisiana’s children and creating opportunities that can make a lasting difference in their lives. This is what it looks like when we come together to put children first.”

Harris said in a statement.

The need for such financial support is underscored by challenges faced by young people transitioning from foster care, including the loss of financial support and housing instability. During her visit, the Fostering the Future campaign is expected to activate both on the LSU campus and on the football field.

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