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Trump and First Lady Sign 'Fostering the Future' Order to Expand Supports for Foster Youth

Federal agencies now must build scholarships, tech training programs, and housing supports for youth aging out of care.

President Donald Trump displays an signed executive order as first lady Melania Trump watches during an event on foster care in the East Room of the at the White House, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
First lady Melania Trump speaks during an event on foster care in the East Room of the at the White House, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump watches as first lady Melania Trump adds her signature to an executive order during an event on foster care in the East Room of the at the White House, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump listens as first lady Melania Trump speaks during an event on foster care in the East Room of the at the White House, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Overview

  • The East Room signing linked the effort to Melania Trump’s Be Best initiative under the Fostering the Future banner.
  • The order directs agencies to develop scholarships and workforce pathways in technology, including computer science and AI, to help participants gain job security and financial independence.
  • Agencies are instructed to expand education, career development, and housing resources specifically for young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood.
  • Officials highlighted systemic strains, citing more than 520,000 children in foster care and 50,193 adoptions in 2023, a decline from prior years.
  • Framed as a continuation of prior family-focused policies, the move follows actions such as the Family First Prevention Services Act and expanded school choice, with cited data showing only about half of foster youth finish high school and roughly 20% face homelessness after aging out.