The California Endowment Awards CDU $3 Million for the College of Medicine and Health Professions Education Building
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has been awarded a $3 million grant from The California Endowment. This grant marks a significant milestone in the “CDU Rising” five-year comprehensive campaign, propelling the university toward its ambitious $95 million goal.
The funding is twofold: it will bolster the core operating capabilities of the College of Medicine (COM) and support the construction of the Health Professions Education Building (HPEB). This 60,000 gross square feet state-of-the-art facility is a cornerstone in the development of the University’s new, independent medical degree program, reinforcing CDU’s commitment to educational excellence and healthcare innovation.
David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD, President of CDU, expressed his gratitude: “We are immensely thankful to The California Endowment for this transformative grant that propels Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science forward in our ambitious ‘CDU Rising’ campaign. This funding not only reflects our shared commitment to health equity and educational excellence but also catalyzes critical advancements in our mission to serve underserved communities. As we embark on this journey together, we reaffirm our dedication to cultivating a diverse and compassionate healthcare workforce that embodies the spirit of community and service.”
The mission of The California Endowment — to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare for underserved communities and achieve health and racial equity across California— resonates deeply with the values and objectives of CDU. Since its founding in 1966, CDU has been a pivotal force in addressing healthcare access and now confronts the evolving challenges in the Watts-Willowbrook area, also known as Service Planning Area 6 (SPA 6). This region faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, a challenge compounded by broader social determinants of health.
“We are proud to partner with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in their mission to expand access to quality healthcare and advance health equity in underserved communities,“ said Dr. Robert K Ross, President/CEO, The California Endowment. “This grant reflects our commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address the root causes of health disparities. By investing in CDU’s College of Medicine and the Health Professions Education Building, we are investing in the future of healthcare, building a diverse health workforce pipeline and ensuring that all Californians have the opportunity to lead healthy lives.”
CDU’s dedication to training healthcare professionals who serve underrepresented and disadvantaged populations is mirrored in The California Endowment’s goals. These include supporting community-based organizations, advancing innovative healthcare solutions, and amplifying marginalized voices in healthcare decision-making.
The grant from The California Endowment will significantly enhance CDU’s educational initiatives. Notably, the College of Medicine’s establishment of a 4-year MD (Medical Degree) program positions CDU as one of only four MD-granting programs at a Historically Black learning institution in the United States. This achievement underscores CDU’s ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare education and accessibility in communities that need it most.
This landmark contribution from The California Endowment underscores a pivotal moment in the University’s journey toward healthcare equity and educational excellence. United in this cause, the University and The California Endowment hope to inspire further interest in philanthropic support to match this unique investment and transformative journey.
As such, the University warmly invites individual philanthropists and other philanthropic partners to consider contributing toward the HPEB or the College of Medicine. Your gift will support the University’s 58-year history of educating and training doctors and other healthcare workers who are ready and willing to serve and uplift communities in South LA and beyond while fulfilling their dreams.
Please contact Angela Minniefield, Senior Vice President, Advancement and Operations and COO for more information.