Jefferson County Public Schools received its largest gift from a single donor in district history — and it’s from billionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott.
Her $20 million gift will be used to help improve 11 West Louisville schools by funding playgrounds, athletic fields, uniforms, music rooms, college trips + more as part of a new district initiative looking to narrow the gap in supplemental funding for high-poverty schools.
The initiative, called “E3: Engagement, Environment and Experiences,” looks to fight inequity in project funding so students, parents + communities across the district can all enjoy the same enrichment opportunities.
The money will go into the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation — which provides financial support for the district — and from there, the district will begin the process of divvying up the funds.
Mackenzie’s generosity in the commonwealth wasn’t born yesterday. She’s also donated $10 million to Goodwill Industries of Kentucky + $20 million to Metro United Way in the last few years. In total, the philanthropist — who is also Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife — has donated $12.8 billion to causes across the country.
The billionaire philanthropist isn’t the only one taking an interest in West Louisville, particularly its schools. Here are a few more educational happenings in West LOU:
