West Hills College Lemoore thankful for donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

In a recent blog post, Ms. Scott said, "Because community-centered service is such a powerful catalyst and multiplier, we spent the first quarter of 2021 identifying and evaluating equity-oriented non-profit teams working in areas that have been neglected."

She went on to say that higher education is a proven pathway to opportunity. “We looked for two and four-year institutions successfully educating students who come from communities that have been chronically underserved." 

Scott is the ex-wife of billionaire Jeff Bezos, and her net worth derives from her 4% stake in Amazon.  According to sources, her wealth has soared to about $60 billion.

West Hills College Lemoore President Kristin Clark said, "We are humbled by Ms. Scott's trust in West Hills College Lemoore and plan to use these funds for the right reason—to amplify the voices of our students.  As Ms. Scott's favorite Rumi verse says, like a candle, we will '…burn, become light and heat and help.'"

Clark says that the college is tremendously grateful for Scott's enormous generosity and her recognition of the college's deep commitment to student equity. "I don't believe this gift is about us—it's about our students.  As they succeed, we will shine the spotlight on THEM and celebrate THEIR achievements by publishing their stories."

Clark added that West Hills College Lemoore is thankful for Scott’s generous donation. “Because Ms. Scott is interested in amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked and underserved, we prefer to focus the attention of her gift towards what we plan to do with it rather than the amount of her gift,” she said.

Clark said that West Hills College Lemoore plans to use her gift to launch the school’s Having Opportunity and Promise through Education (HOPE) initiative, which will focus on intensive outreach in the communities served by West Hills to increase participation and academic success in higher education.  The goal is to instill a new sense of optimism for those who feel hopeless by providing upward mobility through education.