The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Training Program is a federally funded initiative under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program supports the development of the next generation of professionals who will serve maternal and child health populations, particularly in underserved and rural communities. It reflects HRSA’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and public health outcomes through workforce development in MCH fields.
The LEAP Training Program is designed to establish and support undergraduate-level pathway programs that promote entry into maternal and child health professions. These programs aim to build a more diverse and representative MCH workforce by increasing the participation of individuals from backgrounds that are underrepresented in healthcare professions. This aligns with broader federal efforts to address health disparities and improve the quality and accessibility of care for vulnerable populations.
Funding from the LEAP program is intended to support activities such as curriculum development, hands-on training experiences, mentorship, and career pathway planning. Allowable costs likely include faculty support, student stipends, and partnership-building efforts with community-based organizations. While the forecast does not detail spending restrictions, grantees typically must align their proposals with HRSA's mission and programmatic priorities.
Eligibility is limited to public and nonprofit private institutions of higher education, including Native American tribal colleges and universities. Applicants must be domestic institutions based in the United States or its territories. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity. Up to six awards are expected, with a maximum award ceiling of $155,000 per recipient and total program funding of approximately $930,000.
The application process will be conducted electronically, with submissions due by April 4, 2026, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The estimated posting date is February 3, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by May 1, 2026, with funded projects beginning June 1, 2026. The LEAP program appears to follow an annual funding cycle, indicating the likelihood of future opportunities.
For additional information, applicants may contact the Division of Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development at the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The primary contact phone number is (301) 433-2170, and inquiries may also be directed to the MCHB Grant Inbox for the LEAP program. While a full notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is not yet posted, prospective applicants should monitor Grants.gov for updates.
