CDU Awarded $2 Million Grant From The California Wellness Foundation

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has been awarded a $2 million multiyear grant from The California Wellness Foundation, strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two organizations. With this grant, Cal Wellness’ total support to CDU over the years reaches nearly $6 million.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has been awarded a $2 million multiyear grant from The California Wellness Foundation, strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two organizations. With this grant, Cal Wellness’ total support to CDU over the years reaches nearly $6 million.

The grant is the culmination of the profound alignment between CDU’s and Cal Wellness’ visions and missions, as CDU launches its own independent medical education program to significantly expand the number of medical students it will reach. Both organizations share a commitment to health equity, justice, and advocacy for underserved communities. This partnership represents a crucial step towards improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations and fostering diversity within the healthcare workforce.

CDU’s President and CEO, Dr. David M. Carlisle, expressed his enthusiasm for the shared vision between the two institutions, stating, “The California Wellness Foundation’s mission resonates deeply with our own. At CDU, we are dedicated to cultivating health professional leaders who champion social justice and health equity for underserved populations. With the support of this generous grant, we can further our mission and create a lasting impact in the lives of our students and the communities we serve. Together, we are working towards a world where excellent health and wellness are accessible to all, without disparities.”

“The California Wellness Foundation applauds CDU’s national leadership in expanding pathways to and through state-of-the-art medical education for underrepresented communities of color,” said Lori Cox, Cal Wellness vice president of programs. “This marks one of the largest grants awarded by Cal Wellness in recent years. I am deeply grateful to our board of directors for making such a profound investment in the success of CDU’s future and for its commitment to the foundation’s long-standing goal of creating a diverse and culturally competent physician workforce for California.”

The $2 million grant will be utilized to fund critical initiatives at CDU, including:

  • $1.3 million dedicated to supporting students in the CDU’s brand new 4-Year MD Program. This allocation will provide $15,000 annually for four years to 20 students, fostering the growth of future physicians and healthcare leaders from diverse backgrounds.
  • Staff and operational support to enhance CDU’s capacity to secure philanthropic opportunities and funding for its College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and College of Science and Health.
  • Marketing support to increase the visibility of the new CDU 4-Year MD program, thereby attracting more diverse and talented students and furthering the University’s reach and impact.

The partnership between Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and The California Wellness Foundation stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in advancing health equity and wellness for all.

About The California Wellness Foundation: 

The California Wellness Foundation envisions a California where every resident enjoys good health and wellness. Their mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to healthcare, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments, and safe neighborhoods. With $1 billion in assets, TCWF is one of California’s largest public health philanthropic institutions, providing approximately $43 million in grants and program-related investments annually to promote health equity, justice, and advocacy for communities and individuals disproportionately affected by race, income, immigration status, or geographical location.

About Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science:

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private non-profit student-centered university in South Los Angeles committed to cultivating diverse health professional leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations. Through outstanding education, research, clinical service, and community engagement, CDU aims to achieve excellent health and wellness for all, eliminating health disparities.