MacKenzie Scott's $17M to Oklahoma College Strengthens Equity Amid Political Challenges

MacKenzie Scott has made another significant philanthropic move, this time extending her support to Oklahoma's educational institutions with a $17 million donation to Northern Oklahoma College (NOC), the state's oldest public community college. The gift, the largest in the institution's 124-year history, underscores Scott's ongoing commitment to expanding access to higher education for underserved populations. At NOC, where 80% of students receive financial aid and 75% graduate without student loan debt, the funds will be allocated toward new scholarships and academic programs, and strategic initiatives outlined in the college's 2025 plan.

NOC President Diana Morris called the donation "truly life-changing," emphasizing its potential to elevate the college's role as a leader in affordable, accessible education. Morris stated in a press release, "Her donation will assist us as we seek to achieve our vision of serving as a model institution and leader in academic quality and cultural enrichment." The contribution aligns with Scott's broader strategy of empowering institutions that prioritize equity, a focus that has seen her donate over $700 million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other organizations advancing educational access for marginalized communities.

The donation to NOC follows a parallel $5 million gift to Little Priest Tribal College in Nebraska, the largest in that institution's history. The tribal college, which serves around 250 students, plans to use the funds for a $60 million campus expansion project set to begin in 2026. These recent contributions highlight Scott's pattern of supporting institutions that address systemic gaps in education, particularly for Indigenous and low-income students.

Scott, whose net worth is estimated at $33 billion, has long adhered to a giving philosophy that grants recipient institutions full autonomy over how donations are used. This approach, uncommon among major philanthropists, has allowed colleges and nonprofits to tailor resources to their most pressing needs without donor-imposed conditions. Her Giving Pledge commitment-to donate at least half her wealth- has already resulted in over $19 billion in philanthropy, with a focus on social justice, racial equity, and educational reform.

The NOC and Little Priest Tribal College gifts add to a growing list of high-profile donations from Scott, including $70 million to the United Negro College Fund and $50 million to the Native Forward Scholars Fund. As political challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives persist, her support for institutions fostering these values has become increasingly critical.