The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is forecasting a cooperative agreement opportunity under the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP). This grant is specifically designated for Papa Ola Lokahi (POL) as per the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act (NHHCIA), amended under 42 USC 11709(a). The cooperative agreement aims to support HRSA’s mission of improving healthcare access for Native Hawaiians by funding scholarships for students in health professions. These scholarships require recipients to commit to serving in healthcare roles in Hawaii for a period of two to four years following graduation.

The purpose of this funding is to address the critical need for healthcare professionals serving Native Hawaiian communities. The NHHSP will support Native Hawaiian students pursuing degrees in various health-related fields by covering educational costs in exchange for a service commitment in designated healthcare facilities within Hawaii. The funding ensures that qualified professionals are available to provide primary healthcare services to underserved Native Hawaiian populations, thereby improving healthcare access and outcomes.

This funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning that HRSA will work closely with Papa Ola Lokahi to oversee and implement the program. POL will be responsible for managing the scholarship program, coordinating student placements, and ensuring compliance with service obligations. HRSA will provide guidance and oversight to ensure that the objectives of the program are met effectively.

The estimated total program funding for this opportunity is $500,000. HRSA has not specified an award ceiling or floor, and only one award is expected to be issued. Cost sharing or matching is not a requirement for this grant. The funding will support the administration of the scholarship program, including outreach, application processing, recipient support, and compliance monitoring.

The application timeline is forecasted, with the estimated posting date set for February 7, 2025. The expected application due date is May 8, 2025, and the anticipated project start date is August 1, 2025. As this is a forecasted opportunity, final dates may be subject to change upon official publication of the grant notice.

For further information, interested applicants may contact Cardora Barnes at HRSA via email at cbarnes@hrsa.gov or by phone at 301-945-3954. Additional details and updates on this funding opportunity will be made available through Grants.gov.