MacKenzie Scott Gifts $42M to Support Black Students

In a powerful display of commitment to educational equity, billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has once again directed substantial support towards Black students, despite ongoing opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Her latest generous act is a $42 million gift to 10,000 Degrees, a nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income students of color, including Black Americans, access higher education and career opportunities.

A Landmark Donation for Educational Access

This donation marks the largest investment ever made by Scott’s Yield Giving fund to 10,000 Degrees in its nearly 45-year history. Scott’s philanthropy extends far beyond this single gift; her research indicates she has given at least $270 million to support Black students over the past five years alone. In total, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has distributed billions of dollars to a wide array of organizations.

Her recent contributions include a $70 million donation to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in September to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and a $63 million gift to Morgan State University this month—the largest in the institution’s history. Scott also previously donated $40 million to Morgan State in 2020.

Countering Anti-DEI Efforts with Action

Scott’s consistent support for Black students and HBCUs stands in stark contrast to recent efforts by figures like former President Donald Trump and others targeting DEI practices. Many students of color have voiced concerns about the potential impact of DEI rollbacks on their educational and career prospects.

For 10,000 Degrees, this significant grant is their first from Scott and coincides with the launch of a new strategic plan. The organization intends to leverage this funding to expand its existing programs and services for Black and Brown students in the Bay Area. Kim Mazzuca, CEO of 10,000 Degrees, highlighted the critical timing of the gift, noting it arrives amidst proposed cuts to Pell grants and federal financial aid. “It sends a message to policymakers and invests in our communities at a time when it’s needed most,” she stated.

Addressing Systemic Barriers Beyond Finances

Mazzuca shared that in 2025 alone, approximately $7 million in scholarships from 10,000 Degrees went to over 2,900 Black and Latino students. While financial barriers are significant, she also pointed out that perceptions of belonging, experiences of racism, and limited access to educational resources are systemic issues impacting Black student outcomes. “As we expand partnerships with high schools in our region that have a larger Black student population, we remain committed to addressing these challenges and creating supportive environments that promote academic success and a sense of inclusion,” she said.

Economist William Michael Cunningham, who closely analyzes DEI issues, commended Scott’s actions. “The support shown comes at a critical time, when others are backing away and too scared to speak, much less provide real financial support,” he remarked. “I think Black people will remember who was with us when the chips were down.”

With the new funding, 10,000 Degrees plans to expand its core programs—College Access, College Success, Community College Success, Career Success, and Black Student Engagement—and introduce new initiatives to reach more underserved students. Scholarship enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open through March 2, 2026.