Howard University intends to use its latest investment to train medical professionals.

The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has received $80 million in unrestricted funding from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, according to The Washington Post. She previously invested $40 million in 2020.

Scott has been making her rounds across several HBCUs, including Morgan State University. Her $63 million investment in the HBCU was the largest in the school’s history (individual or organizational), as AFROTECH™ previously reported.

As it relates to Howard University, Scott’s investment has led to “a boost of confidence,” according to Wayne A.I. Frederick, Howard’s interim president.

“It also says that what you’re doing, based on our own evaluation, we think is important. And we think you’re doing it well enough that we can trust you with that type of gift,” Frederick said.

The investment will train medical professionals at Howard, one of four HBCUs with a medical school. Plans to expand its academic medical center are underway, and a goal has been set to increase the number of nursing, dental, medical, and pharmacy students.

“Ms. Scott’s generosity will have a lasting impact on medical education, research and health equity,” Andrea A. Hayes Dixon, the dean and senior vice president of Howard’s medical school, said in a statement, according to The Washington Post.

Additionally, the $80 million commitment will be used to improve facilities and provide coverage for the effects of what is now the second-largest government shutdown, according to CBS News. The shutdown has delayed nearly $55 million in annual federal appropriations for universities across the U.S, notes The Washington Post. Howard University is included in that pool. 

“Some 80% to 90% of the funds that come into the university have a federal source, whether you’re looking at Pell grants, the hospital — patients with Medicare and Medicaid,” Frederick said, according to The Washington Post.

Howard University will implement a “temporary relief plan” to allow deferred payments without penalties for students with past-due balances.