Cal State Dominguez Hills Receives $29 Million Grant to Educate Mental Health Professionals

The gift, the largest in the university's history, aims to increase access to mental health care in underserved South LA communities.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:06pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a counseling session, with soft pools of warm color and light creating an intimate, calming atmosphere.A philanthropic investment in mental health education aims to expand access to culturally responsive care in underserved Los Angeles communities.Los Angeles Today

Cal State Dominguez Hills announced a $29 million grant from the Ballmer Group, the largest philanthropic gift in the university's history. The five-year investment will fund scholarships, licensure preparation, and emergency aid for students studying fields related to community and mental health, with the goal of increasing the number of counselors and social workers serving underserved families and youth in South Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The grant is a response to the acute shortage of mental health professionals in South LA and adjacent areas, communities where many CSUDH students and graduates live. By expanding access to mental health education and training, the university hopes to strengthen the workforce needed to address California's documented shortage of mental health providers.

The details

The CSUDH grant will support the launch of Toros Heal L.A., an initiative aimed at helping to strengthen the mental health workforce. In addition, Cal State LA received $48 million and UCLA is getting $33 million from the Ballmer Group for similar purposes.

  • On April 6, 2026, CSUDH announced the $29 million grant.

The players

Cal State Dominguez Hills

A public university located in the city of Carson, California, part of the California State University system.

Ballmer Group

An investment company founded by Steve Ballmer, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, and his wife Connie. The group has committed substantial grants to support mental health education and workforce development.

Mary Ann Villarreal

The interim president of Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Kim Pattillo Brownson

The director of strategy, policy, and partnerships for Ballmer Group Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“This gift is a response to acute child and youth behavioral health shortages in South L.A. and adjacent areas — communities our students and graduates call home. With this investment, CSUDH can expand access to opportunity for our students while preparing professionals committed to serving populations with the greatest need.”

— Mary Ann Villarreal, Interim President, Cal State Dominguez Hills

“CSUDH is a proven philanthropic partner and leader in preparing graduates ready to serve their communities. This investment will support a critically needed workforce and expand access to culturally responsive care across the region.”

— Kim Pattillo Brownson, Director of Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships, Ballmer Group Los Angeles

What’s next

The Toros Heal L.A. initiative funded by the grant will launch in the coming months, with the goal of increasing the number of mental health professionals serving underserved communities in South Los Angeles.

The takeaway

This substantial investment in mental health education at Cal State Dominguez Hills underscores the critical need for more counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals to serve families and youth in underresourced areas. By expanding access to training and support, the university aims to strengthen the local workforce and improve community well-being.