Strengthening Our Commitment to the Local Community

At Palo Alto University (PAU), commitment to community lies at the heart of everything we do. It’s a university value we cherish deeply, encompassing not only the collaborative spirit of our internal university community but also our unwavering dedication to engaging with and supporting the broader communities around us. This principle of community is further embedded in our Inclusive Excellence framework, where "Community Engagement" serves as one of five dimensions making up the plan, representing a cornerstone of our overall strategic plan. This dimension emphasizes meaningful partnerships and reciprocal relationships that promote well-being and mental health for all.

In honor of Black History Month, we also recognize the importance of addressing mental health disparities in historically marginalized communities. Our commitment to culturally responsive care is reflected in the partnerships we build and the services we provide.

We are proud to enact these commitments through two recent business development partnerships that reflect our mission in action. These partnerships not only align with our goal of community impact but also present a meaningful opportunity to diversify revenue streams, further supporting our university's sustainability and growth. One such initiative is our collaboration with the City of Palo Alto. Through this partnership, PAU is providing wellness programs and mental health training designed to meet the needs of teens, parents, middle school coaches, and city staff who work with teens. By offering expert-led training sessions, teen-centered wellness activities, and consulting services, we aim to enhance resilience, mental wellness, and preparedness in the Palo Alto community. This program, tailored for the City of Palo Alto’s Teen Center, stands as a model for significant local partnerships that can create meaningful impacts.

Similarly, our new partnership with the County of San Mateo underscores our dedication to addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable populations. PAU has received a contract to provide mental health support to people who are unhoused in the county. Combining mobile outreach, digital therapeutics, and culturally responsive care, this program is meant to deliver accessible, evidence-based services directly to those in need. By reducing barriers to care and fostering collaboration with local agencies, we are not only advancing the well-being of individuals but also training the next generation of culturally competent and culturally humble mental health professionals to address the unique needs of homeless and unhoused populations.

These initiatives reflect our belief that community engagement is not just a value but a responsibility. I am deeply grateful to our Cabinet members, Melanie Morrison, and Drs. Patricia Zapf and Erika Cameron for their dedicated efforts in identifying and supporting local opportunities. By working closely with local governments, organizations, and individuals, we strengthen the care and compassion in our region and contribute to its overall health and resilience. At PAU, we are honored to stand alongside our community partners as we work toward a shared vision of well-being for all.