Media release
(Cushing, Okla) — Cushing Public Schools has received a $4.5 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott as a part of her commitment in 2020 to give back a majority of her wealth to community organizations. Cushing Public Schools was selected by Ms. Scott for the work that they are doing to provide high quality learning experiences in an underserved community. The gift supports the organization in furthering its mission to ensure that every school
guarantees all students reach their potential through rigorous and joyful learning experiences provided in a nurturing environment.
In particular, this gift will help Cushing Public School sustain current initiatives that have been previously funded by federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) including expanded after-school tutoring, expanded summer school opportunities, additional after-school activities, and transportation for all of these programs. The district plans to use the gift over time to continue to expand learning opportunities and experiences that support and enhance student learning and achievement.
Along with her team of expert advisors, Scott has shared publicly that they identify organizations, “with strong leadership teams and results, with special attention to those operating in communities facing high projected food
insecurity, high local poverty rates, and low access to philanthropic capital.”
The gift was unsolicited, but Scott has previously shared publicly about her team’s approach to giving, “We do this research and deeper diligence not only to identify organizations with high potential for impact, but also to pave the way for unsolicited and unexpected gifts given with full trust and no strings attached.”
Click here to read Ms. Scott’s blog post: https://mackenzie-scott.medium.com/of-and-by-104c6ff53ff0
