Waco Foundation received a $9 million bequest from late Waco philanthropist, Malcolm Duncan, Sr. The gift, the second largest made in the Foundation's history, will provide debt-free college education for many Waco students through the newly launched Duncan Scholars program.

Duncan Scholars will replace a Waco Foundation initiative Duncan and his wife, Mary Ruth, established 27 years ago, the MAC College Money Program. More than $11 million in scholarships to over 14,000 students was awarded through the MAC Program. Duncan Scholars will provide an increased amount of support to local students.

The Duncan Scholars program will focus on Waco ISD students entering McLennan Community College and completing their degrees through the University Center. The program will cover the cost of MCC and provide seven full-tuition scholarships per year at its start, with a goal of securing community support to expand that to 20 scholarships, for students completing their bachelors degrees. Duncan Scholars will also provide an emergency assistance fund and one-on-one and cohort support for participants.

The Duncan Scholars program will focus on increasing local college completion rates while decreasing student debt. To stay up to date with all the latest with the Duncan Scholars program, follow us on Instagram at @duncanscholars.