Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP)
Limited submission
The Health Careers Exploration Program funds nonprofits to engage underrepresented Californians in hands-on health career experiences, fostering a diverse future healthcare workforce.
Funder: California Department of Health Care Access and Information
Due Dates: October 16, 2026 (Full application due by 3:00 p.m. PST via eApp)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per award; total program funding approx. $300,000; project period Feb 2027–Apr 2028.
Summary: Supports California nonprofits to introduce underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals to health careers through conferences, workshops, and hands-on experiences.
Key Information: Applicants must verify 501(c)(3) status on the CA DOJ Registry and upload proof; indirect costs capped at 15%.
Description
The Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP) aims to diversify California’s health workforce by funding nonprofit organizations that provide early career exposure for underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals. Grants support activities such as health career conferences, workshops, and hands-on experiences, all designed to inspire students and foster a culturally and linguistically representative pipeline of future healthcare professionals. The program prioritizes outreach to economically, educationally, and environmentally disadvantaged populations, including those in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), and encourages partnerships with schools, community organizations, and health care providers.
