Centers of Excellence (COE)

The Centers of Excellence Program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the Department of Health and Human Services, provides funding to health professions schools and public or nonprofit educational entities to advance the academic success and career pathways of underrepresented minority students in health fields. The initiative supports activities that strengthen curricula, improve access to clinical education, enhance information resources related to minority health issues, and foster strategic partnerships to build a robust pipeline of diverse health professionals. Recipients are expected to expand institutional capacity to recruit faculty, increase student academic performance, and deliver training through community-based health facilities, all aimed at addressing disparities in health care access and outcomes. The program also promotes research conducted by faculty and students on health conditions disproportionately affecting underrepresented minority populations, reinforcing a mission of equity and inclusion in the health workforce. This forecast opportunity, posted on July 22, 2026, is open to eligible organizations seeking grant funding to implement comprehensive, long-term education and training initiatives. Interested parties should direct inquiries to CDR Lorener Brayboy at lbrayboy@hrsa.gov or 301-287-0036, with further details available through the official grants portal. The award is not subject to a specific set-aside classification and is intended to support institutions committed to advancing diversity in the health professions through sustained educational investment.