More than $7 million to fund LSU scholarship program for students in foster care, Melania Trump announce
Scholarship fund takes shape
Trump announced the partnership Saturday at an event with LSU President Wade Rousse. She said the scholarships would offer young people from foster care stability and a foundation for education.
The White House said the university and Trump secured more than $7 million in private donations for an endowment. MMR Group Inc. committed $5 million, while LSU Foundation donors contributed more than $2 million.
Program reaches beyond LSU
Fostering the Future provides resources and support, including scholarships, for people who have been in foster care. LSU is one of more than 20 colleges and universities nationwide taking part.
The initiative grew out of Trump’s Be Best campaign, her signature issue during Donald Trump’s first presidential term. She began working on foster care issues after that term ended in 2021.
Wider efforts and game appearance
At LSU, Rousse gave Trump a helmet and jersey bearing Be Best branding; he said every player would wear the patch in the game against Alabama. The White House said the foster care program would also be featured around campus and at Tiger Stadium.
Key points
- The LSU scholarship partnership is backed by more than $7 million in private donations.
- Baton Rouge-based MMR Group Inc. pledged $5 million to the endowment.
- LSU is among more than 20 colleges and universities participating in Fostering the Future.
- Legislation to broaden foster care services passed the House and is pending in the Senate.