Workforce Development Funding

Key points

  • NIOSH's mission includes providing an adequate supply of occupational safety and health professionals.
  • To do this, NIOSH funds two workforce development programs: Education and Research Centers, and Training Project Grants.
Students in scrubs in a classroom.

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.

RFA-OH-25-002: Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Centers (T42) (nih.gov)

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.

NIOSH Tables 1 and 2 RFA OH-25-003 TPG

Historical funding information

NIOSH has closed the Funding Opportunity Announcement for Education and Research Centers under RFA-OH-23-003. This announcement will be republished under RFA-OH-25-002. Previously, NIOSH made awards under RFA-OH-22-001.

ERCs are funded under RFA-OH-23-003, RFA-OH-22-001, and PAR-15-303. RFA-OH-25-002 has been forecasted.