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

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Training Program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau focuses on improving the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families, particularly those in underserved and rural communities. This program aligns with HRSA’s broader mission to strengthen the healthcare workforce and expand access to quality care by investing in education and training initiatives that prepare future professionals to address maternal and child health needs. The LEAP Training Program is designed to establish and support undergraduate pathway programs that cultivate interest and preparedness for careers in maternal and child health. Its primary objective is to expand the MCH workforce by increasing exposure, education, and training opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly those from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds. These pathway programs are expected to improve access to healthcare and public health services for MCH populations by building a pipeline of skilled professionals who are equipped to serve diverse communities. Funding under this opportunity supports activities related to training, curriculum development, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities. Programs may include structured coursework, internships, community-based experiences, and leadership development initiatives. While specific allowable costs are not detailed in the forecast notice, typical HRSA training grants support personnel, trainee stipends, program administration, and educational resources. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which reduces financial barriers for eligible institutions seeking to apply. Eligible applicants include domestic public and nonprofit private institutions of higher education, as well as Native American tribal governments and organizations that operate as public or nonprofit institutions of higher learning. The program is limited to U.S.-based entities as defined by federal regulation, including states, territories, and affiliated jurisdictions. This eligibility structure reflects the program’s emphasis on academic institutions as primary vehicles for workforce development and training. The application process is expected to follow standard federal grant submission procedures through Grants.gov, requiring electronic submission by the stated deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants should anticipate requirements such as program narratives, budget justifications, organizational capacity statements, and documentation of partnerships or training plans. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the quality of the proposed training program, its alignment with MCH workforce needs, institutional capacity, and the potential impact on underserved populations. Key timeline elements indicate that the opportunity is currently forecasted, with an estimated posting date of May 15, 2026, and an application due date of June 15, 2026. Awards are expected to be made on or around the same date, with project activities beginning shortly thereafter. The relatively short turnaround between posting and deadline suggests that applicants should begin preparation early. Contact information is provided through the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Division of Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development, which can assist with inquiries related to program requirements and expectations.