Virginia Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Earn to Learn Initiative

Virginia Works, as subrecipient of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), is requesting applications for grant funding under the Rural Healthcare Transformation Program (RHTP) Earn to Learn Initiative to support rural healthcare workforce development, with applications due October 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. A pre-application webinar was held September 21, 2026.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, governmental entities, hospitals, health systems, educational institutions, and other legally organized entities physically located in or providing direct services to FORHP-designated rural localities. Applicants must have active SAM.gov registration with current Unique Entity Identifier, maintain good legal standing, secure commitment from at least one rural healthcare employer partner, and comply with Virginia tax obligations.

The scope targets development and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in allied health occupations including dental hygienists, diagnostic medical sonographers, registered nurses, radiologic technologists, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapy assistants. Allowable uses of funds include developing pre-apprenticeship programs, supporting on-the-job training wages (up to 80% sliding scale with a preferred starting baseline of $18.00 per hour), related technical instruction, supportive services (childcare, transportation, housing, tutoring), and program management costs. Administrative costs are capped at 10% of the final award. The average cost per apprentice must not exceed $13,000. Individuals receiving wage or supportive services must enter into a 5-year rural service commitment agreement within designated rural areas of Virginia.

Total funding available is $4,679,752.46 from CMS (CFDA 93.798, Federal Award ID RHTCMS332088, federal funds expiration October 30, 2030). Awards are anticipated for 3–7 subrecipients in the range of $500,000 to $1,500,000 per budget period, with a maximum of $1,500,000. No cost sharing or matching is required. The period of performance runs from October 30, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with potential renewal for up to four additional budget periods contingent on satisfactory performance. Applications must be submitted via the eVA portal. Review occurs October 19–29, 2026, with notice of awards on October 30, 2026.