Melania Trump announces LSU foster care scholarship program
Melania Trump announced a $7.2 million scholarship endowment for Louisiana State University students from foster care, funded by private donations including a $5 million gift from MMR Group.
Melania Trump announced a $7.2 million scholarship endowment for LSU students who were in foster care. The announcement was made on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during the LSU-Alabama football game at Tiger Stadium.
The partnership will provide scholarships for LSU students who came through the foster care system. The endowment was funded by private donations, including $5 million from MMR Group, an electrical contracting company led by LSU alumnus James B. 'Pepper' Rutland. Additional LSU Foundation donors provided more than $2 million. LSU Foundation President Krista Raney stated the fund reached 'more than $7.2 million and growing.'
LSU President Wade Rousse said the $5 million gift will generate approximately $200,000 annually for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. The program is part of her 'Fostering the Future' initiative, an offshoot of the 'Be Best' campaign during President Donald Trump's first term. Melania Trump began working on foster care issues after that term ended in 2021.
Funding sources
The endowment was funded by private donations, including $5 million from MMR Group and over $2 million from LSU Foundation donors. Trump and LSU secured more than $7 million in private donations to create the endowment fund for the scholarships. MMR Group Inc., based in Baton Rouge, committed the $5 million sum.
Program scope and context
The initiative supports 100 students across 26 schools nationwide this semester. LSU and Alabama are among the participating institutions.
| University | Number of Scholars |
|---|---|
| LSU | 14 |
| Alabama | 9 |
LSU is among more than 20 colleges and universities nationwide that participate in the program. The broader 'Fostering the Future' initiative links the federal government, colleges, the private sector and charitable groups to create opportunities for those in foster care. Melania Trump created 'Fostering the Future Together,' a global version with more than 45 participating countries.
This scholarship initiative directly addresses the urgent need for educational support for foster youth. It comes as a legislative package to broaden foster care services has cleared the House and is pending in the Senate.
Event and partnerships
The scholarship announcement occurred at the LSU-Alabama football game. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, Louisiana first lady Sharon Landry, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise attended the event. The Tiger mascot presented Trump with scholarship checks while wearing a 'Be Best' T-shirt.
The event included a military flyover above Tiger Stadium and thousands of fans gathered for the SEC rivalry game. A special Melania Trump challenge coin was designated for the game's opening coin toss. Trump wore a Dalma suede bomber jacket by Nour Hammour, an Adam Lippes skirt, and Manolo Blahnik BB pumps.
Melania Trump said: "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." The scholarship endowment will be featured across the LSU campus in Baton Rouge and at Tiger Stadium before the football game.
