Song Brown Registered Nurse Education Programs

The Song-Brown Registered Nurse Education Programs grant, administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), provides a strategic funding opportunity to strengthen California's healthcare workforce by expanding the pipeline of registered nurses (RNs) serving in medically underserved communities. This initiative operates under the Song-Brown Health Care Workforce Training Act, which mandates a targeted approach toward increasing access to primary care services in areas with significant shortages. The program specifically aims to support pre-licensure RN education programs, including Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Entry-Level Master’s (ELM) programs, to train nursing students who are predisposed and committed to practicing in Registered Nurse Shortage Areas (RNSAs). The grant supports three main award categories: existing RN programs, expansion slots for existing programs, and new RN education programs. For existing programs, up to 10 slots may be funded at $30,000 per student slot, while expansion slots may receive up to five new placements at $60,000 each. New programs, which are still seeking Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) accreditation, can receive up to $1,000,000 in one-time funding to support start-up activities necessary to obtain approval. For all categories, funding is contingent on submission of appropriate BRN documentation and compliance with award terms. The funds are limited to educational use for student slots and cannot be used to supplant existing local, state, or federal resources. Eligible applicants include California-based, BRN-approved institutions or those actively seeking BRN approval. These may be programs operated or approved by the University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, or accredited private nursing programs. Grantees must demonstrate capacity to enroll and train students in compliance with program guidelines and commit to reporting and invoicing as stipulated. For expansion awards, institutions must show BRN approval of additional permanent slots dated July 1, 2024, or later. For new programs, sustainability beyond the grant term and a clear BRN approval timeline are required. Applications must be submitted through HCAI’s web-based eApp system, with the application period for the 2026 cycle opening on September 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., and closing on October 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. An early review submission date is offered on October 8, 2026. Applications submitted early may receive feedback from HCAI staff, allowing for corrections before final submission. Evaluation is based on statutory priorities including the percentage of graduates and training conducted in RNSAs, the use of holistic and inclusive recruitment and admission strategies, and the incorporation of culturally responsive care training. Awards will be announced in January 2027, and the grant term will begin June 30, 2026, extending through September 30, 2028. Programs must agree to the standard grant terms outlined in the application guide, which include stringent documentation and auditing requirements. All media or press engagements related to awarded grants must be reviewed by HCAI and coordinated with broader California Health and Human Services and Governor’s Office communication plans. The grant is a one-time funding opportunity without guarantee of renewal. Questions may be directed to [email protected] or (916) 326-3700. Applicants are encouraged to review the full grant guide, scoring rubric, and technical assistance materials on the official HCAI website. This grant presents a critical opportunity for nursing education programs to enhance California’s healthcare infrastructure while addressing long-standing disparities in access to care in underserved communities.