MacKenzie Scott has donated millions to higher education institutions and organizations serving people of color. This fall alone, the billionaire contributed over $700 million to several HBCUs, according to ABC News. Her latest string of donations includes three HBCUs that were awarded a total of $132 million on Friday: Prairie View A&M University, Bowie State University and Philander Smith University.
MacKenzie Scott donated $63 million to Prairie View A&M University
On Friday, Scott awarded the HBCU its second donation and raised her total contributions to $113 million. The donation is the largest in the university’s history.
“This gift is more than generous — it is defining and affirming,” Prairie View A&M president Tomikia P. LeGrande said in a press release. “MacKenzie Scott’s investment amplifies the power and promise of a Prairie View A&M University education as we advance our vision of becoming a premier public, research-intensive HBCU that serves as a national model for student success. We are deeply grateful for her profound endorsement of our mission, our momentum, and our impact on the world.”
In 2020, Prairie View used the initial donation to fund need-based scholarships and emergency aid amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the new contribution will help the university support its largest enrollment ever of 10,106 students. Prairie View has also developed a plan, Journey to Eminence: 2035, to boost research and student success.
MacKenzie Scott donated $50 million to Bowie State University
The HBCU has also received a second donation from Scott after an initial contribution awarded in 2020. The gift raises Scott’s total donation to $75 million.
“We are profoundly grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her visionary commitment to education and equity,” Bowie State president Dr. Aminta H. Breaux said in a press release. “Her generosity arrives at a pivotal moment in our 160-year story. It empowers us to expand access, elevate our research and academic excellence, and uplift generations of students who will lead, serve and innovate. Higher education is the pathway to upward social mobility for our students and the communities we serve, and, with this gift, their futures are brighter than ever.”
Bowie State announced it will use Friday’s donation to strengthen its endowment, as well as expand scholarship offerings, support research and enrich the student experience.
MacKenzie Scott donated $19 million to Philander Smith University
Friday’s donation to Philander Smith is the largest in the university’s 147-year history.
“This gift is a resounding vote of confidence in our mission and our momentum,” Philander Smith president Dr. Maurice D. Gipson said in a press release. “It positions us to invest boldly in student success, facilities enhancement, and programs that prepare the next generation of Philander Smith leaders. We are profoundly grateful for this transformational support, which allows us to move Philander First with renewed purpose and vision.”
Although the HBCU has yet to announce an official on how it will allocate the funds, it said the donation would help support student financial aid, academic innovation, campus facilities and technology, as well as its endowment.