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Melania Trump announces $7.2m LSU scholarship for foster care youth

Summarised from 3 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 7 Nov, 22:39 · Archive

Melania Trump announced a $7.2 million scholarship endowment at LSU for students who have experienced foster care as part of her Fostering the Future initiative.

Melania Trump attended LSU's college football game against Alabama on Saturday to announce a $7.2 million scholarship endowment supporting students who have experienced foster care. The fund is part of her Fostering the Future initiative and includes a $5 million leadership gift from MMR Group, an electrical contracting company based in Baton Rouge led by LSU alumnus James B. "Pepper" Rutland, alongside $2.2 million raised from 75 LSU Foundation donors. LSU President Wade Rousse said the $5 million gift is expected to generate approximately $200,000 annually to help students cover tuition, fees, books and room and board.

At an event in Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Trump told university officials, donors and students: '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.' LSU cheerleaders flanked her during her remarks, and the Tiger mascot presented her with scholarship checks while wearing a 'Be Best' T-shirt. LSU Foundation President Krista Raney confirmed the scholarship fund had reached 'more than $7.2 million and growing'.

Trump said there are 14 scholars under the programme at LSU and nine at Alabama, part of a group of 100 students supported across 26 schools this semester. She stressed that foster care youth needed action, not words: '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 First Lady's visit sparked a significant security operation. LSU issued an update about 'critical gameday impacts, security measures and navigation updates' due to the presence of 'high-profile guests and on-site operations with the US Secret Service'. The school released a list of 24 prohibited items and blocked off part of the stadium's outer ring as inaccessible. Some LSU fans expressed frustration on social media about the disruption, with one writing 'Nobody wants this' and another complaining about needing to arrive hours early.

Despite the security concerns, Trump received a thunderous reception from the sellout crowd of more than 102,000 when she appeared on the stadium's jumbotron during the game. She waved and smiled to the roaring crowd before the cameras cut back to the action on field. The broader Fostering the Future initiative is an offshoot of her Be Best campaign from President Donald Trump's first term.

Melania Trump announces $7.2m LSU scholarship for foster care youth
Image: Daily Mail Sport

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How it is being reported

In this story: Melania Trump · LSU · Alabama · James B. Rutland · Wade Rousse · Krista Raney · Baton Rouge · MMR Group

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