#USA #Los Angeles #Youth Mental Health #Cal State LA #Ballmer Group

Cal State LA's Historic Donation for Mental Health Services

In a significant step towards improving youth mental health services in Los Angeles, California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) has announced a monumental donation of $48 million from the Ballmer Group. This generous contribution marks the largest philanthropic gift in Cal State LA's history and stands as the sixth largest in the entire California State University (CSU) system. The grant aims to bolster the university's capacity to tackle the pressing crisis of youth mental health affecting schools and communities across the city.

Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services

The five-year investment is designed to deepen Cal State LA's partnerships with K-12 school districts and community agencies, focusing on improving access to culturally responsive and high-quality mental health services for children, teens, and families in underserved areas. “We are deeply appreciative of the Ballmer Group for this grant, which will transform lives throughout Los Angeles by preparing a new generation of counselors and social workers who reflect and understand the communities they serve,” said Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes, President of Cal State LA.

Cal State LA has a long-standing mission of serving the public good, and this partnership with the Ballmer Group enhances its ability to meet the critical mental health and wellness needs of children, youth, and families in the region.

Training the Next Generation of Professionals

The funding will significantly expand the university's capacity to prepare over 1,000 new social workers and family counselors through its Master of Social Work (MSW) and School-Based Family Counseling (SBFC) programs. These offerings have established roots in East Los Angeles and surrounding communities and are vital contributors to the region's mental health workforce.

“The impact will be felt in schools, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations throughout Los Angeles in the coming years,” said Dr. Heather Lattimer, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cal State LA and the Principal Investigator of the grant.

With these funds, the Ballmer investment will effectively double the capacity of the one-year RSU program, increase the two-year RSU program by 50%, and also double the SBFC program. A significant portion of the funds will support student scholarships, thereby reducing financial barriers that often restrict graduates from pursuing careers in public service.

Fostering Community and Commitment

“Cal State LA has a proven track record of preparing diverse, community-rooted graduates who make a substantial difference,” stated Kim Pattillo Brownson, Director of Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships for the Ballmer Group in Los Angeles. “This investment broadens pathways into the field and supports the vital work of delivering high-quality, culturally responsive care where it is needed the most.”

In collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and California State University, Dominguez Hills, Cal State LA is joining in focused efforts to provide comprehensive care. Collectively, these three institutions have garnered $110 million from the Ballmer Group to revolutionize professional training and transition into public and nonprofit roles that address the growing needs of the youth population in Los Angeles.

About Ballmer Group

The Ballmer Group is committed to elevating economic mobility for children and families in the United States through funding leaders and organizations that have shown the capability to reshape opportunities. The group focuses on various impact areas, including early learning, K-12 education, college and career pathways, health care, and behavioral health. Founded by philanthropist Connie Ballmer and her husband Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, the group is deeply engaged in community efforts in multiple regions including southeast Michigan, Washington State, and Los Angeles County. For more information, visit www.ballmergroup.org

About Cal State LA

California State University, Los Angeles is the primary comprehensive public university located in the heart of Los Angeles. It consistently ranks as the number one institution in the U.S. for upward mobility among its students. Founded in 1947, Cal State LA serves over 22,000 students and boasts an alumni network of more than 260,000 distinguished individuals. The university is dedicated to community engagement, service, and the public good with nationally recognized programs in various fields, including science, arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and humanities.

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