Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in California, one of four historically Black medical schools in the United States, has signed a new memorandum of understanding with the University of California, Riverside to promote inclusive educational opportunities for students at both institutions.
The agreement prioritizes CDU’s direct engagement with several UCR Identity Centers: African Student Programs, Chicano Student Programs, Undocumented Student Programs, Riverside Underground Scholars, and the Veteran Resource Center. Additionally, programming will be extended to other Identity Centers, including Native American Student Programs, the Women’s Resource Center, Foster Youth Student Services, the Middle Eastern Student Center, Asian Pacific Student Programs, and the LGBT Resource Center.
As part of the agreement, CDU will provide UCR students with opportunities to explore graduate and professional programs through on-campus events. In return, UCR’s participating Identity Centers will facilitate connections between their students and the CDU community. To further support student success, CDU will prioritize scholarship opportunities for UCR students who participate in CDU-sponsored programs.
“This partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to cultivating future leaders who reflect and uplift their communities,” said Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at CDU. “By connecting with UCR’s vibrant Identity Centers, we are creating intentional pathways that support students from unserved, underserved, and under-resourced backgrounds and communities as they pursue graduate and professional education focused on social justice and eliminating health disparities.”
