An 18-year-old Louisiana State University (LSU) student who has spent nearly her entire life in foster care told “Fox & Friends” Monday that her scholarship secured through first lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative is helping ease the financial burden of pursuing a college education.
Ella Bennett, who entered foster care at age 3, was among the students recognized during Trump’s visit to LSU over the weekend, where the first lady announced a $7.2 million scholarship endowment.
“The scholarship has definitely helped alleviate some financial stress, just because when applying, looking and going to college, I don’t really have the financial support system that everybody else comes with,” Bennett said.
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She described meeting Trump as a “surreal experience.”
“It was kind of like a breath of fresh air. I didn’t really have too much of an impression going in, but I did definitely leave with a good one. She seemed genuinely interested in what I wanted to do with my life and where I wanted to go.”
The permanent endowment includes a $5 million commitment from MMR Group, led by LSU alumnus James B. “Pepper” Rutland, and an additional $2.2 million raised from 75 LSU Foundation donors.
LSU Foundation President and CEO Krista Raney said the contributions had brought the scholarship fund to “more than $7.2 million and growing.”
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“Every young person from foster care should have the chance to build an extraordinary life. Education is the center of that plan,” Trump said.
“It gives something no one can ever take away.”
University President Wade Rousse said the $5 million leadership gift is expected to generate approximately $200,000 annually, helping students cover tuition, fees, books and room and board.
Bennett told Fox News the ceremony, where the first lady appeared flanked by LSU cheerleaders and the school’s mascot, Mike the Tiger, was “very high energy.”
“It felt great to put awareness out there for more foster kids and everything — just to see how big this program is really going to go,” said Bennett.
Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative is part of a landmark strategic alliance with Fox Corporation and IndyCar, which are each contributing $1 million, to expand academic opportunities for individuals transitioning from foster care.
The pact was announced at the White House ahead of the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.
At LSU over the weekend, Trump delivered a message of solidarity to the beneficiaries of the initiative.
“To the Foster the Future scholars here today and throughout America, I see you, I believe in you, and I will keep working to create new opportunities with you,” she said.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr and Brian Flood contributed to this report.