Melania Trump launches new ‘Fostering the Future’ effort to support foster youth with jobs, school
WASHINGTON– First lady Melania Trump is spearheading a new initiative to improve career and educational opportunities for children raised in foster care.
Her husband, President Donald Trump, signed an executive order Thursday creating a “Fostering the Future” program that brings together federal entities, nonprofits, educational institutions and the private sector to expand these opportunities for foster youth.
The order also creates an online hub that would help young people connect to key career and educational resources, while increasing access to vouchers and grants to support them in these efforts.
Saying that the initiatives contained in the executive order “give me immense pride,” Melania Trump said the effort was “both empathetic and strategic.”
“I am calling on the leaders of these various organizations, including the private sector, to join my efforts,” Melania Trump said from the East Room to an audience of lawmakers, Cabinet officials and members of the foster care community.
The first lady added: “Rise above the ease of inaction. »
The broader “Fostering the Future” initiative is an offshoot of the “Be Best” campaign that was its signature theme during Trump’s first term. The initiative began in 2021 and offers scholarships to current and former foster youth. Participating schools include Vanderbilt University, University of Miami, Villanova University and Oral Roberts University, according to the first lady’s office.
Trump, the president, said he was “thrilled” to sign the initiative. He pointed out that the second lady, Usha Vance, was also very involved in Melania Trump’s efforts.
“We are going to have absolutely incredible results,” the president said.
Federal agencies involved include the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, and the Office of Personnel Management.
