A billionaire philanthropist donated $1.1 million to Blackfeet Community College on Wednesday that will forgive eligible student debt, the college announced Thursday.
MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and an early contributor to the company, made the donation to reduce barriers for enrollment and continuing education in Browning.
“This action reflects our commitment to putting students first,” college president Brad Hall said in the announcement. “Tribal colleges rarely have unrestricted funding, so when we do, we seek opportunities to address the financial barriers that can stand between our students and their education. This is an investment in our students and in the future of our institution.”
Blackfeet College was charted in 1974 by the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. It offers academic programs, vocational training and lifelong learning opportunities through in-person, online and hybrid courses.
The school averages about 300 to 350 current students, according to spokesperson Paula Bremner, but has past due balances for more than 750 former and current students.
The college said the new money will allow students to register and reenroll in classes because of past-due institutional balances.
The timing, according to the college, could allow some students to register ahead of the fall 2026 semester. Registration is scheduled from Aug. 24 to Aug. 28.
The college said students who have been previously unable to register because of financial holds or outstanding balances are encouraged to contact admissions director Alli Smith.
“The Board’s decision recognizes the realities our students and families are facing and demonstrates the college’s commitment to strengthening access, opportunity, and student success through key investments that also strengthen the college’s financial position,” Hall said in the statement.
Scott is one of the largest philanthropic donors in the United States, having given more than $26 billion to thousands of nonprofit organizations, according to Yield Giving, her philanthropic website.
In 2025, she donated $8 million to the college, and in 2020 she donated $3 million. Scott has also worked with other tribal education programs like Fort Peck Community College.
Griffen Smith is the local government reporter for the Missoulian. He is a 2023 graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism and previously served as the editor of the Seeley Swan Pathfinder.
Originally published on missoulian.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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