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Champion Diversity: Support Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Partnership at CUSM

At CUSM, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment enriches educational experiences, enhances patient care, and drives innovation in healthcare. Our commitment to fostering an equitable climate requires continuous effort and resources, and we invite you to join us in this important work by supporting our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Partnerships (EDIP) programs.

 

Why Your Support Is Essential

The challenges of achieving true equity and inclusivity in healthcare and education are significant, but the benefits are profound:

  • Enhanced Learning Environment: Diverse perspectives lead to richer discussions, more innovative problem-solving, and a more comprehensive education for all students.
  • Better Patient Care: Physicians who are trained in a diverse environment are better prepared to meet the needs of a diverse patient population, leading to more effective and compassionate healthcare.
  • Social Responsibility: By actively promoting EDI, we are taking a stand for social justice and equality, essential values in today's global society.

 

How You Can Help

Your contribution will directly impact our ability to sustain and grow EDIP initiatives. Here are some ways your donation can make a difference: 

At LAUNCH, we are committed to addressing the critical shortage of healthcare providers in the Inland Empire (IE) and tackling the pressing issue of diversity within these professions. Our mission is to create pathways for preparation, enrichment, exposure, and skill development for students aspiring to careers in health professions. This is not just about education; it's about opening doors for those who have traditionally been left behind—first-generation college students, low-income families, and students from historically excluded racial and ethnic minority groups.

Your support can help us expand our reach beyond MD students to include those in nursing, public health, dentistry, and other allied health programs. With your donation, we can offer more than just online instruction and annual conferences. We aim to provide stipends and tuition waivers, similar to work-study programs, enabling students to gain crucial field experience while managing the financial burdens of their education. This expansion is vital for building a healthcare workforce that is as diverse as the community it serves, enhancing patient care across the region.

By investing in LAUNCH, you're not just funding a program; you're fostering a future where every student in the IE has the chance to succeed and contribute to the health and wellbeing of their community. Your contributions will ensure that these vital programs are not only sustained but also

thrive, creating a long-lasting impact that extends beyond our current scope. Help us nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders in the IE by supporting LAUNCH today.

Funding requested: 50k+ for continuous support. * 500k+ for expansion.

*Any amount of money will help these endeavors. We just used these estimates as starting points for contributions that would allow significant progress up front.

Pathway programs are essential for overcoming structural barriers and societal inequalities within education and training access. First-generation college students, low-income students, and students from historically excluded racial and ethnic minority groups have a greater presence in program enrollment with supportive pathway provisions. For students in our region, income support through stipends would make pursuing health professions more possible.

At CHANGE, we are redefining the concept of service learning by fostering authentic, mutually beneficial partnerships between universities and community organizations. Our goal is to decolonize these relationships, ensuring that they are built on respect, reciprocity, and real-world impact. This initiative not only supports community partners in their vital work but also educates the next generation of health professionals on the essential principles of true partnership.

Your contribution to CHANGE can significantly extend our impact. Currently, our programs are limited to MD students, but with increased funding, we could include pre-med, Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students and other areas within health professions. More importantly, your donations would enable us to sustain longer-term partnerships that avoid the pitfalls of short-term engagements, which can often inadvertently harm or undermine the efforts of nonprofit organizations.

Investing in CHANGE means equipping community leaders and organizations with the resources they need to address critical issues such as employment, affordable housing, violence, and health access in their regions. It also means providing seed funding for innovative local initiatives like small business startups and outreach programs. By supporting CHANGE, you are not just funding a program; you are investing in a sustainable future where educational institutions and community organizations work hand in hand for the betterment of society. Join us in making a profound difference in the lives of many and in shaping a new standard for educational-community partnerships.

Funding requested: 50k+ for continued support.* 250k+ for expansion

The Black Community Action Coalition, through initiatives like Black Men in White Coats by Dr. Dale Okorodudu, is at the forefront of addressing the significant underrepresentation of Black men in medicine—a fundamental barrier to health equity in the Inland Empire (IE). This coalition not only supports community partnerships and educational summits but also fosters a crucial dialogue on the disparities in health outcomes that our communities face.

Your support can help expand this impact. By contributing to the Black Community Action Coalition, you enable us to launch the Parents Academy, an innovative program designed to educate parents about navigating higher education and health careers for their children.

Furthermore, your donations will fund scholarships for promising students, providing them with the financial support necessary to pursue higher education. These scholarships, even as modest as $500, can significantly motivate students from middle school onward, setting them on a path to success in college and beyond.

This endeavor is unique because it not only focuses on individual success but also builds a community-wide support system that addresses structural barriers such as transportation and work schedules, which often hinder participation. By investing in the Black Community Action Coalition, you are investing in a project that is dedicated to making long-term, sustainable changes in the IE. Your contribution will be pivotal in enhancing our programming and expanding our reach, helping us create a legacy of health and education equity in the community.

Funding requested: $10,000 to $50,000

The Undocumented Student Funding initiative at CUSM is a transformative effort to support students who, despite having the talent and determination, lack the financial means to pursue higher education due to their undocumented status. In the Inland Empire, a significant number of promising students are unable to access federal aid, creating a barrier that prevents them from achieving their academic and professional aspirations.

Your donation to this fund will provide more than just financial assistance; it will open up a world of opportunity. The initiative aims to establish a substantial fund from which undocumented students can securely borrow money, offering a unique loan structure tailored to their needs. This fund will not only help cover tuition but also living expenses and other costs not typically supported by federal aid, enabling these students to focus fully on their education.

By contributing, you are investing in a future where every talented student has the chance to excel in the health professions, regardless of their immigration status. Your support will help cultivate a diverse group of healthcare professionals ready to serve and enhance health care delivery across communities. With each MD and allied health professional trained through this program, tens of thousands of patients will benefit over the course of their careers. This initiative is not just about funding; it’s about building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. Join us in making this vision a reality for countless students in the IE.

Funding requested: $75,000 for one scholarship. Funding at $1.5 million will endow a scholarship in perpetuity, assuming a 5% return on invested funds.

Community by Design is a visionary project aimed at creating a sustainable, inclusive housing complex in the Inland Empire. Our goal is to foster a vibrant community where education,

employment, and partnership thrive in a supportive environment designed for individuals from all backgrounds. This initiative will include a variety of facilities such as a conference center, childcare, transportation support, a clinic, and diverse living spaces—all powered by sustainable solar energy.

With your support, Community by Design will provide affordable housing options for students and trainees while offering valuable job development opportunities for vulnerable groups. This project stands out because it introduces a model of exchange that transcends monetary interactions, promoting an anti-poverty, thriving community where resources and services are shared equitably.

By contributing to this initiative, you are not just funding a building project; you are investing in a model for community living that prioritizes mutual benefit and sustainable practices. Your donations will help us create a space where different socioeconomic groups can coexist and support each other through integrated services and educational opportunities. This community will not only house families but also build lasting bonds through shared experiences and resources, fostering a healthier, more connected society. Join us in making this transformative vision a reality, where every contribution brings us closer to a community designed for everyone’s benefit.

Funding starting at $10,000,000

 

Your Impact

By supporting our EDI programs, you are helping shape a future where all medical community members are valued, and our differences strengthen our collective ability to advance healthcare. Your donation sends a powerful message that diversity and inclusion are not just ideals to aspire to; they are actionable priorities that require our dedicated effort.

 

Join Us in This Vital Mission

Your support is crucial in building a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive medical school. Together, we can cultivate a medical community that reflects the diversity of our patients.