The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), in partnership with Covered California, is accepting applications for the 2026 Health Professions Pathways Program: Population Health Investment (HPPP Pop HI). The program supports structured pathways that recruit and prepare underrepresented individuals for health careers through pipeline programs, paid summer internships, post undergraduate fellowships, and post baccalaureate scholarships.
Deadline: October 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. HCAI’s controlling program page, 2026 Grant Guide, and 2026 Technical Assistance Guide publish the date and clock time but do not state a time zone. Applicants should confirm the controlling time zone directly with HCAI before relying on the clock time.
Available funding: HCAI states that approximately $4.8 million is available statewide. Published direct cost ceilings are $500,000 for Category A pipeline programs, $82,500 for Category B summer internships, $435,000 for Category C post undergraduate fellowships, and $910,000 for Category D post baccalaureate scholarships. Direct program costs are expected to be at least 70 percent of the total request. Program implementation support expenses may not exceed 15 percent, and indirect costs may not exceed 15 percent.
Eligible applicants: Depending on award category, eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit universities and colleges, community colleges, high schools or school districts serving high school students, health professions training programs, community based organizations, and community health centers. HCAI’s definition of community health centers includes Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, Native American health centers, Tribal and Urban Indian programs, county operated and state operated health facilities, family planning sites, and other Covered California Essential Community Provider types identified in the Grant Guide.
Program focus: Proposals must promote eligible health professions in primary care, primary care non physician fields, behavioral health, caring for older adults, or specified allied health occupations. Applicants must inspire and prepare students for health careers, create or strengthen educational and workforce partnerships, provide culturally and linguistically responsive programming, and address barriers facing target participants. HCAI scoring favors programs serving prioritized Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Submission: Applications are submitted through the HCAI Funding Portal. An organization submits one application identifying the award categories it proposes to implement. HCAI will not accept multiple applications for the same category from the same organization. The application includes program information, attestations, contract administration, program proposal, objectives, qualitative responses, services, program data, organization experience, award category information, budget, and applicant assurances. The applicant must certify that the submitted information is true and accurate.
Material restrictions: Grant funds may not supplant salaries of existing full time employees or pay for staff training or continuing education. Applicants and subawardees must also comply with the eligibility conflict provisions in the 2026 Grant Guide. The guide does not state a mandatory applicant match or cost share.
Official resources: Review the current HCAI HPPP Pop HI program page, 2026 Grant Guide, 2026 Technical Assistance Guide, and HCAI Funding Portal before applying. Program questions may be directed to HPCOP@hcai.ca.gov.