First Lady Melania Trump Launches Executive Order to Support Foster Youth
In a significant move, First Lady Melania Trump has unveiled a new Executive Order titled, “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families.” This groundbreaking initiative aims to harness both federal resources and innovative collaborations between public and private sectors to create more avenues for success for young individuals exiting the foster care system. The First Lady was joined by President Donald J. Trump at the White House for the ceremonial signing of the Executive Order on Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. This order emphasizes various provisions central to Mrs. Trump’s mission as First Lady, focusing on strategic partnerships and the modernization of the child welfare system.
- Fostering the Future Pledge & Future Commitments: This initiative establishes the Fostering the Future program, which seeks commitments from government, private industry, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to create new educational and employment opportunities for youth transitioning out of foster care.
- Online Resource and Planning Hub: The order authorizes the development of a Fostering the Future online platform designed for current and former foster youth to craft personalized plans for self-sufficiency and success by connecting them with essential resources.
- Increased Access to Federal Support: The order facilitates greater access to Education and Training Vouchers, along with federal grants aimed at promoting educational achievement, workforce development, and financial literacy for young people transitioning out of care.
- Expanded Educational Opportunities: It broadens educational access by encouraging states to utilize scholarship programs funded by tax-credited donations for children in foster care.
This new executive order, part of the First Lady’s Fostering the Future initiative, allows public and private partners to commit to enhancing mentorships, scholarships, technology access, and workforce training for youth with foster care experiences. The pledges reflect a collective national effort to empower every young person with the necessary tools to forge a bright and independent future. Several federal partners have already announced their commitments as part of this initiative:
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Alongside implementing the Executive Order’s directives, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will initiate a related program focused on keeping children safe with their families and reducing unnecessary foster care placements. ACF will also launch a pilot program to donate decommissioned federal laptops to youth in foster care, helping to bridge the digital divide that often hampers their transition to adulthood.
- The U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: These agencies are set to conduct a series of roundtables nationwide to gather insights from youth transitioning out of foster care regarding their unique challenges with financial literacy. Policies and programs will be developed to ensure that the transition process incorporates a robust foundation in financial education. Initial findings from these discussions are expected to be released in Spring 2026.
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM): OPM will introduce new federal job opportunities for youth and young adults who have been in foster care through the Pathways Programs, a special hiring authority for early career talent. In collaboration with youth who have experienced foster care, OPM will work with federal agencies to identify internships and early-career positions that provide practical experience in government, along with developing a dedicated application portal and professional development initiatives.
Private-sector organizations interested in supporting the Fostering the Future initiative are encouraged to sign the Fostering the Future Pledge at WhiteHouse.Gov/FosteringTheFuture.
Launched in 2021, the Fostering the Future initiative, part of the Be Best campaign, offers scholarships to individuals in the foster care system. Recipients gain essential skills that prepare them for entry-level positions, paving the way to financial independence. Participating universities include esteemed institutions like Vanderbilt University, University of Miami, Villanova University, Florida International University, and Oral Roberts University.
Full text of First Lady Melania Trump’s remarks, as prepared for delivery:
It’s truly uplifting to witness everyone gathered here today, united in support of this impactful initiative. Observing the audience, I recognize the essential role each of you plays in this mission for our future generations.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the cabinet secretaries, congressional members, scholarship donors, and various organizations for their unwavering advocacy.
A heartfelt thank you to my husband for his steadfast commitment to Fostering the Future. The President has made America’s foster care children a priority, and he will soon sign the Fostering the Future Executive Order.
Too many individuals from the foster care community find themselves homeless and in peril on our streets.
In 2021, I envisioned creating a platform with a vital mission: to empower individuals from the foster care community to secure entry-level job positions and, in turn, achieve financial independence.
The Fostering the Future initiative provides technology-based scholarships that allow individuals from the foster care community to attend colleges and universities across America. This program not only lays the groundwork for their careers but also equips scholarship recipients with a lifelong foundation of knowledge.
Permanency for those who embody the fleeting.
I commend the American universities that have joined my mission—institutions like Vanderbilt University, University of Miami, and Villanova University.
Once they graduate, the scholarship recipients are prepared to enter the workforce and become influential leaders, managing numerous employees and generating substantial value for American communities through job creation, improved healthcare access, food security, and other critical societal benefits.
This Executive Order, “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families,” fills me with immense pride. It is both compassionate and strategic. Its impact will be significant.
It aims to forge a comprehensive network linking federal departments, private sector businesses, higher education institutions, and charitable organizations. This will generate new educational and employment opportunities nationwide, with faith-based organizations continuing to play a crucial role.
My hope, of course, is that this coordinated collaboration will endure. But today, I urge leaders from these various sectors, including the private sector, to join me in this effort. Rise above the temptation of inaction.
I foresee that this small spark today could ignite a transformative and enduring movement across the nation. Our collective determination will nurture a future filled with compassion and innovation.
Together, we will light the path for today’s foster children to become tomorrow’s architects.
And these future architects will carry forth the legacy of America.
