Nursing Workforce Diversity Program

For programmatic or technical questions:
Aja Williams, MS, RN
301.945.9658
awilliams4@hrsa.gov

Marian Smithey, MS, RN
301.443.3831
msmithey@hrsa.gov

Kimberley Sarvis, MPH
240.290.2186
ksarvis@hrsa.gov

For grants management or budget questions:
G. Sapphire Marc-Harris, MEd
SMarc-Harris@hrsa.gov

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 approach should include an assessment of the social determinants that impede the educational success of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, identification of the needs of these students, and implementation of tailored, evidence-based strategies to address their identified social determinants and multi-faceted needs. The purpose is to expand and support a workforce to provide quality, culturally-aligned care to rural and underserved communities in need.

Program requirements include:

• Implement a comprehensive systems approach that supports the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Provide academic support services such as tutoring, counseling, supplemental instruction, and others that improve and promote academic success for nursing students
• Increase the recruitment and retention of faculty and preceptors who have diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences that promote diversity in nursing education and clinical practice
• Provide student support services such as financial support and mentorship (professional, academic, or peer) that support retention and promote an inclusive educational environment from admittance to graduation
• Establish and maintain partnerships to include technical assistance from professional nursing organizations to increase enrollment and retention of nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Eligible applicants include:

• Accredited schools of nursing
• Nursing centers
• Academic health centers
• State and local governments
• 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: 40
Estimated total program funding: $22,200,000

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