Cal State LA Receives Historic $48 Million Philanthropic Grant
Historic Grant to Enhance Youth Mental Health Services in Los Angeles
A landmark $48 million grant was awarded to California State University, Los Angeles on Monday, marking the largest philanthropic contribution in the institution’s history. This five-year investment, provided by the Ballmer Group, aims to strengthen youth mental health services in Los Angeles schools and communities.
According to a press release, the grant will enhance Cal State LA’s collaboration with K–12 districts and community organizations, increasing access to culturally responsive mental health services for children, adolescents, and families in underserved areas. Additionally, it stands as the sixth-largest philanthropic donation in the history of the California State University system.
Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes emphasized the significance of the grant, stating it will help train a new generation of counselors and social workers who reflect and understand local communities, particularly in East LA. The funding is expected to facilitate training for over 1,000 new social workers and family counselors through the university’s Master of Social Work (MSW) and School-Based Family Counseling (SBFC) programs, which play a vital role in enhancing the region’s mental health and public service workforce.
The grant will effectively double the capacity of the one-year MSW program, increase the two-year MSW program by 50%, and double the SBFC program. A substantial portion of the funding will be allocated to student scholarships, aimed at alleviating financial obstacles that often deter graduates from pursuing careers in public service.
Eanes remarked that the expansion of these programs is poised to significantly impact lives across Los Angeles. Heather Lattimer, Cal State LA’s Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, underscored that equipping more graduates for public service roles will yield long-lasting benefits to local communities. “The impact will be felt in schools, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations across Los Angeles for years to come,” Lattimer stated.
Kim Pattillo Brownson, Director of Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships for Ballmer Group Los Angeles, noted the university’s strong track record in training diverse graduates who effectuate meaningful change, highlighting this grant as a continuation of their support for such initiatives. “This investment expands pathways into the field and supports the vital work of delivering high-quality, culturally responsive care where it is needed most,” Pattillo Brownson added.
In total, Ballmer Group has also provided funding to UCLA and California State University, Dominguez Hills to enhance similar professional training for graduates entering public and nonprofit sectors focused on helping Los Angeles youth. Combined, the three universities have received $110 million from the Ballmer Group, all directed towards their individual efforts with a shared purpose.
