Melania Trump announces multi-million dollar LSU scholarship for former foster care kids

Melania Trump on Saturday announced a multimillion dollar partnership between Louisiana State University and her “Fostering the Future” program to provide scholarships for LSU students who came through the foster care system.“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,” she said at an event with LSU President Wade Rousse.Trump and LSU secured more than $7 million in private donations to create an endowment fund for the scholarships, the White House said.MMR Group Inc., an electrical contracting company based in Baton Rouge, committed $5 million, with additional LSU Foundation donors providing more than $2 million, the White House said.The first lady later planned to attend the football game between LSU and Alabama, which also is participating in the initiative.“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,” she added, before concluding her brief remarks by saying, “Now, let’s go and enjoy the game.”There are 14 scholars under the program at LSU and nine at Alabama, she said, part of a group of 100 students supported across 26 schools this semester.The foster care program was being featured across the campus as well as on the field at Tiger Stadium just before kickoff, the White House said.Rousse presented her with an LSU helmet with the “Be Best” logo and an LSU jersey with the “Be Best” patch that he said every player would wear in the game.

The broader “Fostering the Future” initiative is an offshoot of the “Be Best” campaign that was her signature issue during President Donald Trump’s first term.“At LSU, we believe talent is everywhere but we understand that opportunity is not,” Rousse said.“That is why access is one of our highest priorities.

Students who have experi...