Workforce Development Funding

Funding overview

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 mandates that NIOSH provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry out the Act. To do this, NIOSH supports Education and Research Centers and Training Project Grants.

Funding by category

Education and Research Centers (ERCs)

ERCs are academic institutions that provide high-quality interdisciplinary graduate and post-graduate training, research training, continuing education, and outreach. Students are trained in industrial hygiene, occupational health nursing, occupational medicine, and occupational safety, as well as allied disciplines.

NIOSH anticipates funding 18 Centers as cooperative agreements. New applicants must submit for 3 years of support and renewal applicants for 5 years. The upcoming due dates are October 22, 2024; October 21, 2025; and October 26, 2026.

Training Project Grants (TPGs)

TPGs are focused on occupational safety and health training. Most TPGs are in academic institutions and provide high quality undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate training. NIOSH also funds non-academic TPGs to meet specific training needs of targeted populations. This includes firefighters, commercial fishermen, and occupational safety and health interns.

NIOSH anticipates funding between 20 and 30 TPGs as grants. The number of awards depends on the quality and potential impact of the applications, as well as funds available. New applicants must submit for 3 years of support and renewal applicants for 5 years. The upcoming due dates are October 22, 2024 and October 23, 2025.

Historical funding information

NIOSH currently funds Education and Research Centers under RFA-OH-23-003. Previously, NIOSH made awards under RFA-OH-22-001.

NIOSH currently funds Training Project Grants under RFA-OH-22-003. Previously, NIOSH made awards under PAR-15-352.