Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP)
Limited submission
The Health Careers Exploration Program funds California nonprofits to engage underrepresented groups in hands-on science and health career experiences, aiming to diversify the state's healthcare workforce.
Funder: California Department of Health Care Access and Information
Due Dates: October 16, 2026: Application deadline
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 expose underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals to health careers through conferences, workshops, and hands-on activities.
Key Information: Only California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible; individuals cannot apply.
Description
The Health Careers Exploration Program (HCEP), administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), provides funding to nonprofit organizations to inspire and support underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals in pursuing healthcare professions. The program aims to increase the diversity and cultural competence of California’s healthcare workforce by supporting conferences, workshops, and hands-on experiences that offer early exposure to health careers. HCEP emphasizes outreach to those from economically, educationally, and environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds, including individuals residing in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), former foster youth, veterans, immigrants, refugees, and adult or nontraditional learners.
