The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles has announced a $20 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

The gift represents the largest private donation in the history of the university, which was established in 1966 and is one of the nation’s four historically Black medical schools. CDU provides undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs and works to address several areas of health disparities through a multi-pronged translational research approach. 

“CDU has been on a tireless pursuit to cultivate diverse health professional leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations,” said CDU president and CEO David M. Carlisle. “This investment will advance that goal by providing resources to support and enhance our outstanding education, research, clinical service, and community engagement. We are truly grateful for MacKenzie Scott’s generosity and dedication to important issues around social justice.”

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