Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP)
Forecasted
Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP) supports organizations offering disadvantaged and underrepresented people healthcare career exploration to build a culturally and linguistically competent workforce.
Funder: California Department of Health Care Access and Information
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per award; approximately $300,000 available in the 2026 cycle
Summary: HCEP funds organizations providing underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals early exposure to healthcare careers.
Key Information: California public and private nonprofit organizations may apply; individuals are ineligible.
Description
The Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP) is administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) under the Health Professions Careers Opportunity Program. It supports underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals in pursuing healthcare careers, with the goal of building a more culturally and linguistically competent healthcare workforce.
Funding supports health career conferences, workshops, and hands-on exploration involving healthcare professionals in real or simulated settings. The program also identifies technical assistance for health professional schools and community organizations, and relevant workforce research and data analysis, as ways to advance its goals. Eligible health professions include primary care, behavioral health, caring for older adults, nursing, oral health, and allied health.
