White House says $2 million donation for 'Fostering the Future' program will create new scholarships

First lady Melania Trump announced Thursday that a $2 million donation to her "Fostering the Future" initiative will be used to produce new scholarships for foster youth at Indiana University and Purdue University.

The White House said the new donations come from IndyCar and the Fox Corporation and mark an expansion of the program's national network.

“America’s greatest competitive advantage remains in its own people," Trump said at a White House event. "Tomorrow’s leaders are sitting in classrooms today, including those growing up in foster care. Their capability is no less remarkable.”

The expansion brings the program's network to 26 academic institutions nationwide. Other schools that have partnered with the program include Arizona State University, the Ohio State University, University of Georgia, University of Texas, Louisiana State University, University of Alabama and University of Florida.

The partnerships are intended to create new pathways to higher education for individuals from the foster care community.

"Fostering the Future elevates America’s youth based on merit and talent, lifting them beyond economic circumstance and every other condition that may limit opportunity," the first lady said. "Our mission is simple yet transformational: provide every young person from the foster care community the chance to earn a college education, launch a meaningful career, and achieve lasting financial independence.

"Education is the one asset that can never be taken away," she continued. "It is the foundation upon which confidence is built, opportunity is created, and the future is invented."

 Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.