MacKenzie Scott Donates Another $132M To HBCUs Prairie View A&M, Bowie State And Philander Smith

MacKenzie Scott continues her major philanthropic support of HBCUs, donating over $700 million to institutions this fall alone. Her latest gifts, totaling $132 million, went to Prairie View A&M University, Bowie State University, and Philander Smith University, marking historic contributions for each campus.

Prairie View A&M received $63 million, the largest gift in its history, bringing Scott’s total support there to $113 million. The university will use the funding to boost student success, research, and enrollment growth as part of its “Journey to Eminence: 2035” plan.

Bowie State University was awarded $50 million, raising Scott’s cumulative donations to $75 million. The funds will strengthen the endowment, expand scholarships, advance research, and enhance the student experience.

Philander Smith University received $19 million, also its largest-ever donation. The funding will support financial aid, academic innovation, campus upgrades, technology, and the school’s endowment.

HBCU leaders across all three institutions called the donations “transformational,” noting that Scott’s investments significantly advance access, equity, and long-term student success.