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Melania Trump scholarship recipient reveals how Fostering the Future helped her with LSU after foster care

MELANIA TRUMP SECURES $7.2M FOR FOSTER CARE SCHOLARSHIPS AT LSU AHEAD OF ALABAMA SHOWDOWN She described meeting Trump as a "surreal experience." "It was kind of like a breath of fresh air.

✦ Extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting•From 1 source•2 min read•Updated November 9, 2026, 8:11 PM UTC
Key points
  • An 18-year-old Louisiana State University (LSU) student who has spent nearly her entire life in foster care told "Fox & Friends" Monday that her scholarship secured through first lady Melania Trump's Fostering the Future initiative is helping ease the financial burden of pursuing a college education.
  • LSU Foundation President and CEO Krista Raney said the contributions had brought the scholarship fund to "more than $7.2 million and growing." MELANIA TRUMP HELPS REUNITE FIFTH GROUP OF UKRAINIAN, RUSSIAN CHILDREN WITH FAMILIES "Every young person from foster care should have the chance to build an extraordinary life.
  • Bennett told Fox News the ceremony, where the first lady appeared flanked by LSU cheerleaders and the school's mascot, Mike the Tiger, was "very high energy." "It felt great to put awareness out there for more foster kids and everything — just to see how big this program is really going to go," said Bennett.

Trump's Fostering the Future initiative is part of a landmark strategic alliance with Fox Corporation and IndyCar, which are each contributing $1 million, to expand academic opportunities for individuals transitioning from foster care.

Additional details
  • "The scholarship has definitely helped alleviate some financial stress, just because when applying, looking and going to college, I don't really have the financial support system that everybody else comes with," Bennett said.
  • "To the Foster the Future scholars here today and throughout America, I see you, I believe in you, and I will keep working to create new opportunities with you," she said.
  • She seemed genuinely interested in what I wanted to do with my life and where I wanted to go." The permanent endowment includes a $5 million commitment from MMR Group, led by LSU alumnus James B.
  • At LSU over the weekend, Trump delivered a message of solidarity to the beneficiaries of the initiative.
  • "It gives something no one can ever take away." University President Wade Rousse said the $5 million leadership gift is expected to generate approximately $200,000 annually, helping students cover tuition, fees, books and room and board.

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