GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina A&T State University announced Tuesday that they were one of 384 organizations philanthropist MacKenzie Scott gave money to.
The billionaire philanthropist gave away $4.1 billion over the past four months and originally asked the beneficiaries to keep the act a secret. But in a blog posted Tuesday, she revealed the organizations and institutions she gave money to. Five were here in the Triad. Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, United Way of Greater Greensboro, and High Point YMCA have not disclosed how much they received. Winston-Salem State University received $30 million and North Carolina A&T State University received $45 million.
Winston-Salem State said the $30 million gift is the largest gift from a single donor and the largest donation in the University’s 128-year history. They say the gift will be strategically invested to meet the University’s highest priorities.
“We are deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for this vivid illustration of faith in our university and its historic and abiding commitment to academic excellence and to the African American community,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr.
“Scott is a leading philanthropist with a deep commitment to making an impact on long-standing inequities across the country,” NC A&T said in a news release.
School officials said the university will invest the money in four major areas which include:
- Student success programs that help promote enrollment, retention and timely graduation of students, as well as direct support for students in financial need.
- Preparation for the workplace which focuses on developing workplace-ready skills that enhance graduates’ success in their first jobs out of college and advancement over the course of their careers.
- Funds will be devoted to civic responsibility and engagement by expanding initiatives that encourage students to give back to their communities, engage in the broader world and assume a mantle of leadership as graduates.
- A large portion of funds will go to further development of of academic programs in areas of critical and national need, including professions in STEM, humanities, business, health, education and agriculture.
The university said Scott narrowed her focus on investment from an initial group of 6,490 to the 384 organizations announced Tuesday.
“Scott's generosity stands out among the many investments in our university this year as one that will play a transformative role in the potential of A&T, serving Aggies far into the future,” Martin said.
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