Overview
- Howard University announced an unrestricted $80 million gift, with $63 million for the university and $17 million for the College of Medicine to support student aid, facility upgrades, reserves, and medical‑school expansion.
- Spelman College confirmed a $38 million unrestricted donation that will expand financial aid and fund major technology improvements across the campus.
- Since mid‑October, eight HBCUs have disclosed $387 million in Scott gifts, including Morgan State ($63 million), Virginia State ($50 million), Alcorn State ($42 million), Clark Atlanta ($38 million), Alabama State ($38 million), and University of Maryland Eastern Shore ($38 million).
- University leaders say the funds arrive at a critical moment as the government shutdown slows appropriations and halts new Education Department grants, straining operations and student support.
- Scott favors trust‑based, no‑strings grants; Howard now totals $132 million from her across 2020–2025, and she also contributed $70 million to UNCF in September to strengthen member HBCU endowments.