Charles R. Drew University and Los Angeles Mission College Partner to Expand Healthcare Education Pathways
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) and Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a transfer pathway that supports LAMC students pursuing careers in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
The agreement is designed to increase student transfer rates, promote academic progression, and strengthen workforce development across the Los Angeles region.
This MOU is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships CDU has launched to expand access to healthcare education for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Recent agreements with UC Riverside, Santa Monica College, and Chapman University’s School of Pharmacy reflect the University’s commitment to creating intentional, mission-driven pathways into the health professions.
“This partnership reflects CDU’s deep commitment to nurturing diverse talent and improving access to healthcare education,” said Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz, CDU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By creating clear academic pathways from Mission College to CDU, we are investing in student success and building a future workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”
Under the agreement, CDU will conduct quarterly information sessions at LAMC and collaborate on faculty/staff exchanges and joint events hosted at both campuses. Students who complete the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements and meet CDU’s GPA and prerequisite criteria will be guaranteed admission to CDU.
“We are proud to partner with CDU, a like-minded institution that shares our mission of transforming lives through education,” said Dr. Farisa Morales, Deab of Academic Affairs for STEM. “This MOU provides our students with a powerful opportunity to pursue careers in high-demand fields while continuing their academic journey in a supportive and mission-driven environment.”
To further support transfer students, CDU will award a $1,500 annual scholarship to each eligible LAMC transfer student who enrolls full-time.
Set to take effect in Fall 2025, the five-year agreement provides a strong foundation for continued collaboration. More importantly, it underscores CDU’s leadership in bridging educational gaps, strengthening local healthcare pipelines, and preparing the next generation of diverse health professionals to lead with purpose and serve with compassion.
