Charles R. Drew University Receives $1 Million Grant from The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation for Health Professions Education Building
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has been awarded a $1 million grant from The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation to support the construction of its new Health Professions Education Building (HPEB).
Set to open in 2026, the HPEB will be the home of CDU’s College of Medicine and will expand access to medical education in South Los Angeles. The facility will feature classroom space, anatomy laboratories, and collaborative areas that will benefit not only CDU’s 240 CDU medical students, but also hundreds of students across other programs, creating new opportunities to tackle healthcare inequities.
“This generous investment from The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation helps advance our vision for a building that represents hope, opportunity, and transformation for our community,” said David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD, CDU President and CEO. “With support like this, we are one step closer to a future where medical education is proudly on display for impressionable youth in South Los Angeles and for neighbors who envisioned such a facility nearly 60 years ago.”
The 100,000-square-foot facility, which recently marked a topping off milestone, is expected to generate more than $86.8 million in annual economic impact for the Watts/Willowbrook community. It is funded in part by the State of California’s $50 million investment, alongside philanthropic and community support.