California HCAI 2026-27 Vocational Nurse Scholarship Program (VNSP)

California HCAI scholarship of up to $4,000 for eligible vocational nursing students who commit to a one-year direct-patient-care service obligation in an underserved area or qualifying California facility.

FundingUp to $4,000 per eligible student; approximately $24,000 available statewide

DeadlineOctober 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.; HCAI's current public program page does not state a deadline time zone

Last verifiedSeptember 28, 2026

Required next actionThe 2026 application window closed October 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Do not submit a late application for this cycle. HCAI advises checking its program page for next-cycle information in September 2027; review the new grant guide, applicant eligibility, qualifying worksite, and service obligation when released.

Broad Eligibility

California residents accepted or enrolled in an eligible certificate, diploma, or accredited associate-degree program leading to Licensed Vocational Nurse licensure; begin class/training by October 1, 2026; minimum six semester units or equivalent until completion; GPA at least 2.0; graduation after March 31, 2027; no conflicting service obligation; one-year qualifying California direct-patient-care service commitment after graduation.

Atlas Analysis

The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is accepting 2026-27 Vocational Nurse Scholarship Program applications through October 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM. The program supports students in eligible vocational nursing programs that lead to Licensed Vocational Nurse licensure.

Approximately $24,000 is available statewide, with awards of up to $4,000 per eligible student. Applicants must begin class or training by October 1, 2026, remain enrolled in at least six semester units or the equivalent until completion, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, graduate after March 31, 2027, be California residents, and have no conflicting service obligation.

Awardees must commit to one year of at least 32 hours per week of direct patient care in an underserved area or qualifying California facility, beginning within six months after graduation. Eligible practice settings include qualifying nursing schools, children’s hospitals, correctional and county-operated facilities, Critical Access Hospitals, FQHCs, HPSAs, medically underserved areas, Native American health centers, nonprofit medical facilities, rural health clinics, skilled nursing facilities, public school facilities, state-operated facilities, substance-use facilities and veterans’ facilities. Telehealth service can qualify when the employer has a physical California office or treatment facility in an eligible location or designation.

This is an individual scholarship rather than an organizational procurement or equipment grant. It does not create a verified Path A, Path B or Path C vendor lane for Dr. Miltie, and it should not trigger applicant-facing vendor outreach or a Marc direct-opportunity alert.