MacKenzie Scott Donates $50 Million to CUNY's Lehman College

Historic Donation to Lehman College

• 💰 Lehman College has received an historic $50 million gift from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation, marking a new era of opportunity for its students.
• 🎯 The foundation, led by MacKenzie Scott, has a history of donating billions to institutions serving minority populations, including HBCUs, tribal colleges, and community colleges.

Impact on Students and Campus

• 🎓 Approximately half of Lehman's 14,000 students come from families earning less than $30,000 annually, making this donation particularly impactful.
• 💡 One student shared how the college has supported her in pursuing her bachelor's degree while also being a parent and working.

Previous Support and Future Investment

• 🔁 This is not the first major gift; five years ago, MacKenzie Scott's foundation awarded the college $30 million.
• 📈 The majority of the new donation will be invested in an endowment fund, providing flexibility for scholarships and increased student aid.

College's Growth and Recognition

• 🏥 Lehman College has seen significant development, including the recent opening of an $85 million nursing building and a business school in 2022.
• 🌟 These advancements highlight the college's role as a key anchor institution in the Bronx and New York City.
• ✅ The gift comes with no strings attached, allowing the college to allocate the funds as it sees fit.