William McGowan and MCI focused their philanthropic efforts on providing education and practical experience to high school students interested in telecommunications and electronics. MCI gave high school students scholarships to attend advanced studies summer programs in fields like mathematics, physics and computer science.
MCI also contributed telecommunications fellowships as part of the American Political Science Association’s long-standing program. In addition to offering academic scholarships, MCI heavily promoted vocational efforts in cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
In 1991, as the official long distance company for the International Special Olympics, MCI offered 6,000 athletes and coaches from 90 countries free calling for the games. MCI also offered spectators 30 minutes of free calling to anywhere in the world.
Established in 1992, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Inc. continued the philanthropic mission McGowan began at MCI. The McGowan Fund continues to support grant making for medical research, education, and community programs:
http://www.williamgmcgowanfund.org/
Related Primary Sources
The Bill and Sue McGowan Center for Artificial Heart and Lung Research, Building dedication pamphlet
Remarks of Bill McGowan, University of Pittsburgh, May 6, 1992