Data Modernization Workforce Acceleration Initiative

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is leading national efforts to protect public health through data modernization and capacity building, and the CDC Foundation serves as a key partner in advancing these goals. In February 2024, the CDC Foundation received federal funding through the Association of Public Health Laboratories to launch the Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI). This initiative is designed to help public health agencies (PHAs) at the state, Tribal, local, and territorial levels enhance their information system capabilities by placing highly qualified technology and data professionals directly within those agencies. The aim is to improve real-time access to actionable public health data and support strategic progress toward achieving the goals set forth in the CDC’s Public Health Data Strategy (PHDS). The third cohort of the WAI is now accepting applications from eligible PHAs, with the CDC Foundation expecting to place new staff in approximately 18 agencies. These placements are intended to fill critical gaps in workforce capacity where agencies currently lack sufficient staff or expertise to execute on data modernization initiatives. Each PHA selected will receive staffing support through June 30, 2027, and will be expected to actively participate in a range of program activities, from onboarding and mentorship to progress reporting and engagement in communities of practice. Eligible applicants include state, local, territorial, and Tribal PHAs, including specific entities such as Tribal Epidemiology Centers, public health authorities, and certain nonprofit Tribal organizations. To be eligible, PHAs must not have received a WAI placement in prior cohorts unless applying under a multi-PHA arrangement. Applicants must also demonstrate readiness to support remote employees, including the ability to provide access to required systems and equipment. Agencies must have adequate non-personnel budget capacity and be capable of establishing necessary approvals and agreements in a timely manner. The application process involves two main steps: submitting a written application and participating in a 30-minute interview with CDC Foundation staff. The final deadline to submit applications is October 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST. Interview sessions will occur between October 28 and November 4, with award announcements expected no later than November 7, 2025. Agencies selected will join kickoff calls in mid-November and begin recruitment and onboarding activities as early as December 2025. All application materials must be submitted through the online application portal, and the CDC Foundation strongly advises applicants to review the application template in advance, as submissions cannot be saved and returned to later. To assist potential applicants, the CDC Foundation is offering three information sessions, with dates confirmed for September 12 and September 22, 2025, and a Tribal-specific session to be announced. Additional support is available through optional one-on-one working sessions for applicants who submit a letter of intent approved by their agency leadership. Applicants are also encouraged to submit questions to WAI@cdcfoundation.org by October 17 for clarification. Evaluation of applications will be based on organizational need, readiness to support placements, clarity and feasibility of workplans, and the strategic alignment and sustainability of proposed improvements. PHAs must commit to all required activities, including candidate interviews, onboarding, regular meetings with CDC Foundation staff, professional development time for placements, and quarterly reporting. The CDC Foundation will also evaluate applicants' capacity to maintain program deliverables after the placement period ends and will conduct financial risk assessments as needed to ensure grantees are compliant with federal requirements.

Review the application template before using the form as it cannot be saved. Submit questions by Oct 17. One-on-one support available with a letter of intent.