Steve Ballmer Donates $110 Million to Support Youth Mental Health in LA; Cal State LA Gets a Historic $48 Million Contribution
Ballmer Group Donates $48 Million to Enhance Mental Health Services for Los Angeles Youth
LOS ANGELES – In a significant move to bolster mental health services for youth in Los Angeles, Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and former CEO of Microsoft, along with his wife, Connie, announced a historic $48 million grant to California State University, Los Angeles (CSU LA) on Monday. This contribution marks the largest single grant in the university’s history and is part of a broader $110 million investment by the Ballmer Group to improve mental health care across the region.
The funding will enable CSU LA to train over 1,000 new social workers and family counselors through its Master of Social Work (MSW) and School-Based Family Counseling (SBFC) programs. In addition, the majority of the grant will focus on scholarships aimed at reducing financial barriers for students committed to entering public service.
"This initiative aims to increase access to high-quality, culturally responsive mental health services for children and families, particularly in under-resourced areas," said a university official. The partnership between CSU LA and local K–12 districts is expected to deepen as a result of this funding.
Cal State LA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Lattimer expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the program. “By growing our extraordinary MSW and SBFC programs, we will prepare more graduates who are academically excellent, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to public service," she stated. “The impact will be felt in schools, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations across Los Angeles for years to come.”
The initiative not only enhances educational opportunities but also aims to strengthen the local workforce, ensuring that essential mental health services can reach those most in need.
In addition to CSU LA, both the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and California State University, Dominguez Hills will receive a portion of the grant, further emphasizing Ballmer’s commitment to enhancing mental health resources throughout the region.
The Ballmer family’s philanthropic efforts continue to extend well beyond the realm of sports, making substantial contributions to community welfare and education.
