CSUSB Palm Desert Awarded $100K Grant to Expand Nursing Program in Underserved Areas

Cal State University San Bernardino’s Palm Desert campus has received a $100,000 grant from the Houston Family Foundation to strengthen its nursing program and expand healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

The grant, announced this morning, will directly support the Nursing Street Medical Program, an initiative that provides free medical attention to underserved communities across the Coachella Valley.

Officials say the funding will allow the program to serve an estimated 700 people, make roughly 1,200 patient contacts, and launch three new clinics. At the same time, it will provide hands-on training for 35 nursing students working directly in the community.

“This funding strengthens our ability to bring essential healthcare directly to people, while empowering our nursing students to practice compassion and community service at the heart of their education," said Diane Vines, a Department of Nursing instructor.

Since its launch in 2019, the program has partnered with local organizations to bring healthcare services to homeless encampments, shelters, and other sites, bridging a critical gap for residents who may not otherwise have access to care.

University leaders say the grant will not only expand medical outreach but also help prepare the next generation of nurses with real-world, community-based experience.

Edna Martinez, associate vice president and administrator in charge of the Palm Desert Campus, said, “This program embodies the mission of the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus — to serve the community through education, compassion and innovation. With the support of the Houston Family Foundation, we can continue to grow this program and make a meaningful impact in the Coachella Valley.”