First Lady Melania Trump invited two exemplary young women to attend the State of the Union address on the evening of February 25 in the guest section. They represent two key areas she is pursuing: children in the foster care system and education integrated with artificial intelligence (AI).
The two guests are Sierra Burns, 24, a former recipient of support from the Foster Youth to Independence program, and Everest Nevraumont, 10, a student at Alpha School in Austin, Texas, which applies an AI-integrated learning model. Sierra Burns, who grew up in the foster care system, is now an advocate for improving policies for children in similar circumstances. Everest Nevraumont gained attention for her public speaking abilities from a young age, hosting a podcast, and delivering a TED talk about her passion for learning.
Close sources indicate that the “Fostering the Future” initiative is designed to position the First Lady as a voice advocating for empowering children through education and technology. The initiative's focus is on improving the quality of education and ensuring children receive adequate care and nurturing.
Expanding the Initiative's Reach
Next March, Mrs. Melania Trump will host a two-day conference at the State Department and the White House to officially launch the “Fostering the Future Together” initiative. This event will invite spouses of heads of state to participate, focusing on empowering children in the fields of technology and AI globally.
She announced this initiative at the United Nations General Assembly session in September, emphasizing the role of the younger generation in using technology to change lifestyles and connect globally. During her current tenure, the First Lady also advocated for the allocation of $30 million to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, supporting housing and services for youth who have experienced the foster care system. Last November, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the “Fostering the Future” program, coordinating multiple agencies and organizations to expand opportunities for this group of young people.
The First Lady's team has also built a collaborative network with major universities such as Vanderbilt, Villanova, the University of Miami, the University of Florida, and Ohio State. This network provides full scholarships for students pursuing technology-related programs, contributing to the training of future human resources.
On the same evening, President Donald Trump delivered the State of the Union address to Congress, outlining important policy directions for the coming year. Adult members of his family were also expected to attend the event, including Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump, and their spouses.
