The plan includes a tech- and private-sector–driven approach, including Binti as a partner to provide tools for the child welfare system.

First Lady Melania Trump launches the Fostering the Future initiative to boost education and career opportunities for foster youth, backed by an executive order from the President.

The program builds on the Be Best framework and existing Be Best scholarships, with participating universities including Vanderbilt, the University of Miami, Villanova, and Oral Roberts University.

An online hub will connect foster youth to resources, while vouchers and grants are expanded to support their education and career goals.

The ceremony occurred amid broader political moments, including congressional votes on government funding and White House projects that drew scrutiny.

Villanova University is named as a distinguished participating partner, though the school did not issue an immediate comment.

The event is set for 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Notable attendees included Vice President Vance, White House press secretary Leavitt, Treasury Secretary Bessent, and HUD Secretary Turner, with Melania Trump delivering leading remarks.

The piece recalls prior actions like National Foster Care Month proclamations and Melania hosting foster children during a White House event.

The Bipartisan Policy Center praised the initiative and urged Congress to build on the momentum with bipartisan reforms.

Data from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute highlights about 368,000 children in foster care daily, with roughly 9% emancipating in 2022.

Support from Trump supporters noted, with emphasis on Melania’s multilingual abilities and a biblical framing of caring for vulnerable children; an anti-trafficking advocate called the effort prophetic.