Melania Trump’s Initiative Showcases Young Innovators at State of the Union
Sierra Burns, a participant in the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence Program, and Everest Nevraumont, a 10-year-old student from Alpha School, AI enthusiast, and TedX speaker, joined First Lady Melania Trump in the First Lady’s Box during the 2026 State of the Union address. Their presence exemplifies the ethos of Mrs. Trump’s BE BEST Fostering the Future initiative, which aims to enhance opportunities and empower young Americans through the fusion of technology and education.
“Sierra and Everest embody my ongoing mission to uplift America’s foster youth and expand opportunity for our next generation through education and technology,” stated First Lady Melania Trump. “I am proud to have them join me at this historic event. They symbolize the resilience and ambition of young people across America, whose experiences and aspirations align with the objectives of my BE BEST Fostering the Future initiatives.”
Over the past year, Mrs. Trump has spearheaded a Presidential Executive Order on Fostering the Future, successfully secured $30 million for housing for foster youth, and initiated both the Presidential Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge and Fostering the Future Together—a global coalition aimed at empowering children through education and technology. Her platform now includes partnerships with prestigious educational institutions such as Vanderbilt University, Villanova University, the University of Texas, the University of Alabama, the University of Miami, the University of Georgia, the Ohio State University, the University of Florida, among others. Notably, her recent K-12 AI Workshop with Zoom reached approximately 2,600 schools across the nation.
Sierra A. Burns from Greenville, SC
Sierra is a proud recipient of the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence Program, serving as a passionate advocate for children within the foster care system, a cause close to her heart due to her own experiences. A graduate of Winthrop University, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Advocacy and Social Policy at Furman University while working as a Referral Specialist at Prisma Health. Sierra has testified in favor of extending foster care in South Carolina and has become a Jim Casey Fellow, contributing to the development of training resources for caseworkers statewide.
Everest Nevraumont from Austin, TX
Everest, an impressive 10-year-old student at Alpha School in Austin, Texas, benefits from AI-driven personalized learning. She has made waves as a public speaker and AI-education advocate, clinching the title of three-time Texas State Champion in History and contributing to a winning International History Bowl team. Her TedX speech highlighted her innovative use of AI in education, showcasing how technology can enhance the learning experience for young students.
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