Centers of Excellence (COE)

The Centers of Excellence Program provides grants to health professions schools and other public and nonprofit health or educational entities to assist schools in supporting programs of excellence in health professions education for under-represented minority individuals. The program aims to establish, strengthen, and expand activities to enhance the academic performance of underrepresented minority students and improve information resources, clinical education, curricula related to minority health issues. Key aspects of the program include: • Developing a competitive applicant pool • Establishing a pipeline for health professions careers • Enhancing academic performance • Expanding the capacity of schools to recruit faculty • Providing training to students at community-based health facilities • Supporting faculty and student research on health issues particularly affecting underrepresented minority groups Eligible entities are accredited allopathic schools of medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and graduate programs in behavioral or mental health.