Nursing Workforce Development (NWD) Program

For program and eligibility questions:
Jasmine Price, MHA
301.443.7151
BHW-NWD@hrsa.gov

For financial and budget questions:
Gerly Sapphire Marc-Harris, MEd
301.443.2628
SMarc-Harris@hrsa.gov

Grants.gov contact center:
800.518.4726
support@grants.gov
Self-service knowledge base

HRSA contact center:
877.464.4772
TTY: 877.897.9910
HRSA contact page

System for award management (SAM):
866.606.8220
Federal service desk

The Nursing Workforce Diversity Program provides funding to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds in becoming registered nurses using evidence-based strategies to support nursing students from enrollment through graduation. The purpose is to expand and support a workforce to provide quality to rural and other communities in need.

The program goal is to increase the number of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who enroll in and graduate from nursing degree programs, using evidence-based strategies such as pipeline programs or comprehensive student support services.

Objectives:

1. Increase the number of nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled in and graduate from nursing degree programs
2. Establish or enhance academic, social, and financial supports to increase educational success for nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
3. Recruit and retain faculty and preceptors to provide student mentorship and enhance learning environments

According to the Bureau of Health Workforce glossary, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are defined as those who meet 2 or more of the following criteria:

• Were or currently are homeless, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
• Were or currently are in the foster care system, as defined by the Administration for Children and Families
• Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for 2 or more years
• Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor's degree
• Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants
• Received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as a parent or child
• Grew up in one of the following areas:
  • A rural area, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer
  • A Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-designated Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Areas

Eligible applicants include:

• Accredited schools of nursing
• Nursing centers
• Academic health centers
• State and local departments of health
• Tribes and tribal organizations
• Nonprofit entities including faith-based and community-based organizations

Estimated award amount: $555,000 per year
Project period: 4 years
Estimated number of awards: 36
Estimated total program funding: $20,000,000

Links to the full announcement, application instructions, and the online application process are available through grants.gov.