Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and West Angeles collaborate to provide preferred admission, financial aid workshops and more to congregation and surrounding community
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with West Angeles Church of God in Christ (COGIC) on September 11, as part of the university’s continuing efforts to increase enrollment, especially through local community pipelines.
The MOU will solidify the mutual commitment between CDU and West Angeles COGIC to work together to create more pathways to health professions education in medically under-resourced neighborhoods throughout South Los Angeles.
CDU President and CEO David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD, highlighted the importance of aligning with local organizations.
“This MOU is an essential component of both our community roots and our growth plans. By establishing relationships with esteemed organizations such as West Angeles Church of God in Christ, we are opening pathways for young people to access higher education and become healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved communities,” he said.
Deacon John H. Wilson III, Education and Enrichment Program Director at West Angeles echoed Dr. Carlisle’s sentiments, citing West Angeles’ dedication to providing the community access to education and resources in the face of rising education costs.
“Affordable, excellent education is essential in our communities. We need [an institution] in our communities that will nurture [students and teach them] to become health professionals,” he said.
Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., senior pastor at West Angeles and presiding prelate of the Church of God in Christ, spoke of his excitement regarding the MOU.
“The agreement will solidify CDU’s commitment to educating West Angeles parishioners on careers in medicine and health, establishing scholarship initiatives for West Angeles parishioners that enroll at CDU and conducting workshops on federal and state financial aid eligibility requirements. In return, West Angeles leadership will promote and recommend CDU pipeline and college programs to the congregation,” said Blake.
Located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, CDU has graduated, since its inception, more than 575 physicians, 1,200 physician assistants and over a thousand other health professionals, as well as training over 2,700 physician specialists through its sponsored residency programs. Its School of Nursing has graduated over 1000 nursing professionals, including over 600 family nurse practitioners. CDU is a leader in health disparities research with a focus on education, training, treatment and care in cancer, diabetes, cardiometabolic and HIV/AIDS.
For information, visit cdrewu.edu or call (323) 563-3669.
