First Lady Melania Trump announced an expansion of her Fostering the Future scholarship program at a White House event Thursday, extending the initiative to 26 colleges and universities nationwide.
The Rose Garden ceremony featured an IndyCar decorated in patriotic colors ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., scheduled for this weekend. The event brought together racing champions and corporate sponsors to highlight the first lady’s focus on supporting young people transitioning out of foster care.
The Announcement
Trump opened her remarks with a lighthearted reference to her limited public appearances: “I heard you missed me. Here I am!” She used the platform to unveil the expansion of her scholarship network, which now spans 26 institutions across the country.
Fox Corporation and IndyCar each committed $1 million to establish scholarships at Indiana University and Purdue University, bringing the combined contribution to $2 million. The funding extends the Fostering the Future program’s reach to additional universities.
The first lady highlighted a recent milestone for the program, noting that a scholarship recipient had become the initiative’s first doctor that spring. “He will change the lives of so many people,” Trump said of the graduate.
Focus on Education
Trump emphasized education as the cornerstone of opportunity for young adults aging out of foster care. “Education is the one asset that can never be taken away,” she told the crowd. “It is the foundation upon which confidence is built, opportunities created and the future is invented.”
The first lady described the investment in young people as central to America’s future. “The greatest investment America can make is not in technology, infrastructure or capital markets. It’s our children,” Trump stated.
Racing Connection
The event featured appearances by IndyCar champions, including six-time series winner Scott Dixon and 2016 Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi, alongside drivers Graham Rahal and Scott McLaughlin. IndyCar President Doug Boles noted that drivers are expected to exceed 180 mph during the upcoming Washington race.
The race will pass notable Washington landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument and National Mall as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.