Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) Program

The SDS program promotes diversity among health professions and improves access to quality healthcare by awarding schools funding for scholarships to disadvantaged students.

Am I eligible?

You are eligible*, if you are one of the following:

• Public health professions school
• Non-profit private health professions school
• Non-profit health professions school having a 501(c)(3) IRS status
• Non-profit health professions school with an IRS status other than 501(c)(3)
• For-profit nursing and physician assistant school
• Native American tribal government or organization (if all other eligibility requirements are met)

How do I apply?

The FY25 application cycle is now open through February 19, 2025. Apply via grants.gov.

Technical assistance

FAQs: Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) Program

Poverty Guidelines

Who has received awards?

We awarded 85 grantees in FY24.

To identify awardees for this grant for the most recent fiscal year:

1. Go to Explore Grants.
2. Scroll down to Detail.
3. In the Program field, select Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (T08).

HRSA also published these lists of awardees: 

• 2020 Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Awardees
• 2022 Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Awardees

What's the impact of SDS grantees?

HRSA Data Dashboard - Health Professions Training Programs

How can I contact you?

SDSProgram@hrsa.gov

Call: 301-443-6752

* Note: Always read the notice of funding opportunity for full eligibility requirements.