Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Training Program

The MCH Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways Training Program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This program is designed to expand the maternal and child health workforce by supporting institutions of higher education in developing structured training pathways for undergraduate students. The initiative reflects a longstanding federal commitment to improving access to healthcare and public health services for maternal and child health populations, particularly in rural and medically underserved communities. The purpose of the program is to establish and strengthen undergraduate training programs that introduce students to careers in maternal and child health and public health. These programs are expected to provide interdisciplinary education, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for advanced education and employment in the field. Core objectives include exposing students to maternal and child health topics, supporting leadership development, facilitating internships, and building partnerships with relevant organizations to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Funding is provided to support a wide range of programmatic activities including curriculum development, trainee stipends, mentorship programs, internships, and partnerships. Award recipients are expected to train at least thirty undergraduate students annually, with a portion participating in more intensive medium or long term training experiences. Financial support such as stipends, tuition assistance, and travel costs may be provided to eligible trainees, subject to federal guidelines and restrictions. Indirect costs are capped at eight percent of modified total direct costs, and funding cannot be used for profit or activities that violate federal regulations. Eligible applicants include domestic public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education, including tribal colleges and universities. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Trainees supported under the program must meet citizenship or residency requirements, including being U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise qualified under federal law. The program does not require cost sharing, although voluntary contributions may be included but are not considered in the review process. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. Applicants are required to complete a comprehensive application package that includes a project narrative, budget and budget justification, curriculum outline, partnership agreements, advisory committee documentation, and staffing plans. The application must follow strict formatting and content guidelines and is limited to sixty pages for the narrative portion. Registration with SAM.gov and Grants.gov is required prior to submission and may take several weeks to complete. Applications are evaluated through a multi stage review process that includes an initial eligibility screening followed by a merit review conducted by a panel. Evaluation criteria include the demonstrated need for the program, the quality and feasibility of the proposed approach, performance management plans, expected impact, organizational capacity, and the reasonableness of the budget. Awards are expected to begin in late September and will support a five year period of performance consisting of annual budget periods. Successful applicants must comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including annual performance reports and participation in federal data systems. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 10, 2026. Awards are anticipated to begin on September 30, 2026, with the full performance period extending through May 31, 2031. The program is part of a recurring federal funding initiative aimed at strengthening the maternal and child health workforce over time. Applicants may contact the program office via email or phone for additional guidance and are encouraged to participate in informational webinars if available.

Align proposal clearly with workforce development outcomes and measurable impact; emphasize partnerships and underserved populations; ensure compliance with formatting and completeness requirements