CalOptima Health in Orange County, California, has announced a $10 million competitive grant cycle to help area high schools and colleges expand their workforce development programs for nurses and other healthcare professionals.

The investment is part a five-year, $50 million Health Care Provider Workforce Development Initiative launched in 2023 by the publicly funded health insurer to address health disparities and support community health centers and safety net providers. The initiative will include two rounds of competitive grantmaking, physician recruitment and loan repayment programs, and the convening of stakeholders to develop long-term collaborations across Orange County.

With the first round of grantmaking, CalOptima anticipates funding a range of activities, such as stipend programs for students who commit to serving county residents participating in the statewide Medi-Cal program, expansion of existing higher education programs to accommodate more students, expansion of clinical rotations, and increased faculty recruitment. The deadline to apply is January 31, with awards planned for March.

“There is no shortage of students interested in becoming healthcare professionals, but the lack of available slots in existing programs and the rising cost of higher education often keep them from pursuing these careers,” said CalOptima Health executive director of strategic development Donna Laverdiere. “This funding is truly an investment in the future and will make a meaningful difference in the number of healthcare providers who can deliver equitable access to quality care for Orange County’s vulnerable Medi-Cal population.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/ SDI Productions)