Melania Trump, the first lady, has launched a new initiative aimed at improving career and education opportunities for children raised in foster care. The initiative, called 'Fostering the Future', was formalised by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday.
The executive order brings together federal entities, non-profits, educational institutions and the private sector to develop opportunities for foster youth. It also creates an online hub to help foster youth connect with key career and educational resources, while increasing access to vouchers and grants to support these efforts.
Speaking from the East Room before an audience that included lawmakers, cabinet officials and members of the foster-care community, Melania Trump said the initiative 'gives me tremendous pride' and described the effort as 'both empathetic and strategic'. She called on leadership from various organisations to join her effort.
The broader 'Fostering the Future' initiative is an offshoot of the 'Be Best' campaign, which was her signature issue during Trump's first term. The initiative began in 2021 and offers scholarships to current and former foster youth. Participating schools include Vanderbilt University, the University of Miami, Villanova University and Oral Roberts University.
President Trump said he was 'delighted' to sign the initiative and noted that the second lady, Usha Vance, was also heavily involved. 'We're going to have absolutely incredible results,' he said. Federal agencies involved include the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, and the Office of Personnel Management.
