---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 293"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "293"
heading: "Centers of excellence"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/293"
units:
  - "Chapter 6A — Public Health Service"
  - "Subchapter V — Health Professions Education"
  - "Part B — Health Professions Training for Diversity"
---

# §293. Centers of excellence

- (a) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall make grants to, and enter into contracts with, designated health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) described in [subsection (c)](#c), and other public and [nonprofit](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=3) health or educational entities, for the purpose of assisting the [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) in supporting [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) of excellence in health professions education for under-represented minority individuals.
- (b) **Required use of funds—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) may not make a grant under [subsection (a)](#a) unless the designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) involved agrees, subject to [subsection (c)(1)(C)](#c-1-C), to expend the grant—
  - (1) to develop a large competitive applicant pool through linkages with institutions of higher education, local [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) districts, and other community-based entities and establish an education pipeline for health professions careers;
  - (2) to establish, strengthen, or expand [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) to enhance the academic performance of under-represented minority students attending the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6);
  - (3) to improve the capacity of such [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) to train, recruit, and retain under-represented minority faculty including the payment of such stipends and fellowships as the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) may determine appropriate;
  - (4) to carry out activities to improve the information resources, clinical education, curricula and cultural competence of the graduates of the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6), as it relates to minority health issues;
  - (5) to facilitate faculty and student research on health issues particularly affecting under-represented minority groups, including research on issues relating to the delivery of health care;
  - (6) to carry out a [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) to train students of the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) in providing health [services](/usc/42/201.md?p=a) to a significant number of under-represented minority individuals through training provided to such students at community-based health facilities that—
    - (A) provide such health [services](/usc/42/201.md?p=a); and
    - (B) are located at a site remote from the main site of the teaching facilities of the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6); and
  - (7) to provide stipends as the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) determines appropriate, in amounts as the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) determines appropriate.
- (c) **Centers of excellence—**
  - (1) **Designated schools—**
    - (A) **In general—** The designated health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) referred to in [subsection (a)](#a) are such [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet each of the conditions specified in subparagraphs [(B)](#c-1-B) and [(C)](#c-1-C), and that—
      - (i) meet each of the conditions specified in [paragraph (2)(A)](#c-2-A);
      - (ii) meet each of the conditions specified in [paragraph (3)](#c-3);
      - (iii) meet each of the conditions specified in [paragraph (4)](#c-4); or
      - (iv) meet each of the conditions specified in [paragraph (5)](#c-5).
    - (B) **General conditions—** The conditions specified in this subparagraph are that a designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6)—
      - (i) has a significant number of under-represented minority individuals enrolled in the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6), including individuals accepted for enrollment in the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6);
      - (ii) has been effective in assisting under-represented minority students of the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) to complete the [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) of education and receive the degree involved;
      - (iii) has been effective in recruiting under-represented minority individuals to enroll in and graduate from the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6), including providing scholarships and other financial assistance to such individuals and encouraging under-represented minority students from all levels of the educational pipeline to pursue health professions careers; and
      - (iv) has made significant recruitment efforts to increase the number of under-represented minority individuals serving in faculty or administrative positions at the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6).
    - (C) **Consortium—** The condition specified in this subparagraph is that, in accordance with [subsection (e)(1)](#e-1), the designated health profession [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) involved has with other health profession [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) (designated or otherwise) formed a [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4) to carry out the purposes described in [subsection (b)](#b) at the [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) of the [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4).
    - (D) **Application of criteria to other programs—** In the case of any criteria established by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) for purposes of determining whether [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) meet the conditions described in [subparagraph (B)](#c-1-B), this section may not, with respect to racial and ethnic minorities, be construed to authorize, require, or prohibit the use of such criteria in any [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) other than the [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) established in this section.
  - (2) **Centers of excellence at certain historically black colleges and universities—**
    - (A) **Conditions—** The conditions specified in this subparagraph are that a designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6)—
      - (i) is a [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) described in [section 295p(1) of this title](/usc/42/295p.md?p=1); and
      - (ii) received a contract under [section 295g–8b of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(/us/usc/t42/s295g–8b)) for fiscal year 1987, as such section was in effect for such fiscal year.
    - (B) **Use of grant—** In addition to the purposes described in [subsection (b)](#b), a grant under [subsection (a)](#a) to a designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) meeting the conditions described in [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A) may be expended—
      - (i) to develop a plan to achieve institutional improvements, including financial [independence](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=1-B), to enable the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) to support [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) of excellence in health professions education for under-represented minority individuals; and
      - (ii) to provide improved access to the library and informational resources of the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6).
    - (C) **Exception—** The requirements of [paragraph (1)(C)](#c-1-C) shall not apply to a historically black college or university that receives funding under paragraphs[^1] (2) or (5).
  - (3) **Hispanic centers of excellence—** The conditions specified in this paragraph are that—
    - (A) with respect to Hispanic individuals, each of clauses [(i)](#c-1-B-i) through [(iv)](#c-1-B-iv) of paragraph (1)(B) applies to the designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) involved;
    - (B) the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) agrees, as a condition of receiving a grant under [subsection (a)](#a), that the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) will, in carrying out the duties described in [subsection (b)](#b), give priority to carrying out the duties with respect to Hispanic individuals; and
    - (C) the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) agrees, as a condition of receiving a grant under [subsection (a)](#a), that—
      - (i) the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) will establish an arrangement with 1 or more public or [nonprofit](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=3) [community based](/usc/42/11851.md?p=1) Hispanic serving organizations, or public or [nonprofit](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=3) private institutions of higher education, including [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) of nursing, whose enrollment of students has traditionally included a significant number of Hispanic individuals, the purposes of which will be to carry out a [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4)—
        - (I) to identify Hispanic students who are interested in a career in the health profession involved; and
        - (II) to facilitate the educational preparation of such students to enter the health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6); and
      - (ii) the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) will make efforts to recruit Hispanic students, including students who have participated in the undergraduate or other matriculation [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) carried out under arrangements established by the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) pursuant to [clause (i)(II)](#c-3-C-i-II) and will assist Hispanic students regarding the completion of the educational requirements for a degree from the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6).
  - (4) **Native American centers of excellence—** Subject to [subsection (e)](#e), the conditions specified in this paragraph are that—
    - (A) with respect to Native Americans, each of clauses [(i)](#c-1-B-i) through [(iv)](#c-1-B-iv) of paragraph (1)(B) applies to the designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) involved;
    - (B) the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) agrees, as a condition of receiving a grant under [subsection (a)](#a), that the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) will, in carrying out the duties described in [subsection (b)](#b), give priority to carrying out the duties with respect to Native Americans; and
    - (C) the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) agrees, as a condition of receiving a grant under [subsection (a)](#a), that—
      - (i) the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) will establish an arrangement with 1 or more public or [nonprofit](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=3) private institutions of higher education, including [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) of nursing, whose enrollment of students has traditionally included a significant number of Native Americans, the purpose of which arrangement will be to carry out a [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4)—
        - (I) to identify Native American students, from the institutions of higher education referred to in [clause (i)](#c-4-C-i), who are interested in health professions careers; and
        - (II) to facilitate the educational preparation of such students to enter the designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6); and
      - (ii) the designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) will make efforts to recruit Native American students, including students who have participated in the undergraduate [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) carried out under arrangements established by the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) pursuant to [clause (i)](#c-4-C-i) and will assist Native American students regarding the completion of the educational requirements for a degree from the designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6).
  - (5) **Other centers of excellence—** The conditions specified in this paragraph are—
    - (A) with respect to other centers of excellence, the conditions described in clauses [(i)](#c-1-B-i) through [(iv)](#c-1-B-iv) of paragraph (1)(B); and
    - (B) that the health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) involved has an enrollment of under-represented minorities above the national average for such enrollments of health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6).
- (d) **Designation as center of excellence—**
  - (1) **In general—** Any designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) receiving a grant under [subsection (a)](#a) and meeting the conditions described in paragraph [(2)](#c-2) or [(5)](#c-5) of subsection (c) shall, for purposes of this section, be designated by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) as a Center of Excellence in Under-Represented Minority Health Professions Education.
  - (2) **Hispanic centers of excellence—** Any designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) receiving a grant under [subsection (a)](#a) and meeting the conditions described in [subsection (c)(3)](#c-3) shall, for purposes of this section, be designated by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) as a Hispanic Center of Excellence in Health Professions Education.
  - (3) **Native American centers of excellence—** Any designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) receiving a grant under [subsection (a)](#a) and meeting the conditions described in [subsection (c)(4)](#c-4) shall, for purposes of this section, be designated by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) as a Native American Center of Excellence in Health Professions Education. Any [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4) receiving such a grant pursuant to [subsection (e)](#e) shall, for purposes of this section, be so designated.
- (e) **Authority regarding Native American centers of excellence—** With respect to meeting the conditions specified in [subsection (c)(4)](#c-4), the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) may make a grant under [subsection (a)](#a) to a designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that does not meet such conditions if—
  - (1) the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) has formed a [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4) in accordance with [subsection (d)(1)](#d-1); and
  - (2) the [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) of the [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4) collectively meet such conditions, without regard to whether the [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) individually meet such conditions.
- (f) **Duration of grant—** The period during which payments are made under a grant under [subsection (a)](#a) may not exceed 5 years. Such payments shall be subject to annual approval by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) and to the availability of appropriations for the fiscal year involved to make the payments.
- (g) **Definitions—** In this section:
  - (1) **Designated health professions school—**
    - (A) **In general—** The term “health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6)” means, except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#g-1-B), a [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) of medicine, a [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) of osteopathic medicine, a [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) of dentistry, a [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) of pharmacy, or a graduate [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) in behavioral or mental health.
    - (B) **Exception—** The definition established in [subparagraph (A)](#g-1-A) shall not apply to the use of the term “designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6)” for purposes of [subsection (c)(2)](#c-2).
  - (2) **Program of excellence—** The term “[program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) of excellence” means any [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) carried out by a designated health professions [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) with a grant made under [subsection (a)](#a), if the [program](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) is for purposes for which the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) involved is authorized in subsection [(b)](#b) or [(c)](#c) to expend the grant.
  - (3) **Native Americans—** The term “Native Americans” means American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Aleuts, and Native Hawaiians.
- (h) **Formula for allocations—**
  - (1) **Allocations—** Based on the amount appropriated under [subsection (i)](#i) for a fiscal year, the following subparagraphs shall apply as appropriate:
    - (A) **In general—** If the amounts appropriated under [subsection (i)](#i) for a fiscal year are $24,000,000 or less—
      - (i) the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall make available $12,000,000 for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in [subsection (c)(2)(A)](#c-2-A); and
      - (ii) and[^2] available after grants are made with funds under [clause (i)](#h-1-A-i), the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall make available—
        - (I) 60 percent of such amount for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in paragraph [(3)](#c-3) or [(4)](#c-4) of subsection (c) (including meeting the conditions under [subsection (e)](#e)); and
        - (II) 40 percent of such amount for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in [subsection (c)(5)](#c-5).
    - (B) **Funding in excess of $24,000,000—** If amounts appropriated under [subsection (i)](#i) for a fiscal year exceed $24,000,000 but are less than $30,000,000—
      - (i) 80 percent of such excess amounts shall be made available for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the requirements described in paragraph [(3)](#c-3) or [(4)](#c-4) of subsection (c) (including meeting conditions pursuant to [subsection (e)](#e)); and
      - (ii) 20 percent of such excess amount shall be made available for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in [subsection (c)(5)](#c-5).
    - (C) **Funding in excess of $30,000,000—** If amounts appropriated under [subsection (i)](#i) for a fiscal year exceed $30,000,000 but are less than $40,000,000, the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall make available—
      - (i) not less than $12,000,000 for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in [subsection (c)(2)(A)](#c-2-A);
      - (ii) not less than $12,000,000 for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in paragraph [(3)](#c-3) or [(4)](#c-4) of subsection (c) (including meeting conditions pursuant to [subsection (e)](#e));
      - (iii) not less than $6,000,000 for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in [subsection (c)(5)](#c-5); and
      - (iv) after grants are made with funds under clauses [(i)](#h-1-C-i) through [(iii)](#h-1-C-iii), any remaining excess amount for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in paragraph [(2)(A)](#c-2-A), [(3)](#c-3), [(4)](#c-4), or [(5)](#c-5) of subsection (c).
    - (D) **Funding in excess of $40,000,000—** If amounts appropriated under [subsection (i)](#i) for a fiscal year are $40,000,000 or more, the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) shall make available—
      - (i) not less than $16,000,000 for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in [subsection (c)(2)(A)](#c-2-A);
      - (ii) not less than $16,000,000 for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in paragraph [(3)](#c-3) or [(4)](#c-4) of subsection (c) (including meeting conditions pursuant to [subsection (e)](#e));
      - (iii) not less than $8,000,000 for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in [subsection (c)(5)](#c-5); and
      - (iv) after grants are made with funds under clauses [(i)](#h-1-D-i) through [(iii)](#h-1-D-iii), any remaining funds for grants under [subsection (a)](#a) to health professions [schools](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) that meet the conditions described in paragraph [(2)(A)](#c-2-A), [(3)](#c-3), [(4)](#c-4), or [(5)](#c-5) of subsection (c).
  - (2) **No limitation—** Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as limiting the centers of excellence referred to in this section to the designated amount, or to preclude such entities from competing for grants under this section.
  - (3) **Maintenance of effort—**
    - (A) **In general—** With respect to activities for which a grant made under this part are authorized to be expended, the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) may not make such a grant to a center of excellence for any fiscal year unless the center agrees to maintain expenditures of non-Federal amounts for such activities at a level that is not less than the level of such expenditures maintained by the center for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the [school](/usc/42/300j–21.md?p=6) receives such a grant.
    - (B) **Use of Federal funds—** With respect to any Federal amounts received by a center of excellence and available for carrying out activities for which a grant under this part is authorized to be expended, the center shall, before expending the grant, expend the Federal amounts obtained from sources other than the grant, unless given prior approval from the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c).
- (i) **Authorization of appropriations—** To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $23,711,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be “paragraph”.
[^2]: So in original. The word “and” probably should not appear.

## Source credit

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, § 736, as added Pub. L. 105–392, title I, § 101(a), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3525; amended Pub. L. 111–148, title V, § 5401, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 642; Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, § 3401(1), Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 385.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 295g–8b of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii), was omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408, title I, § 102, Oct. 13, 1992, 106 Stat. 1994.

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 293, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, § 736, as added Pub. L. 102–408, title I, § 102, Oct. 13, 1992, 106 Stat. 2022, authorized grants to schools of medicine, osteopathic medicine, and dentistry for need-based scholarships, prior to the general amendment of this part by Pub. L. 105–392.

Another prior section 293, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title VII, § 720, as added Sept. 24, 1963, Pub. L. 88–129, § 2(b), 77 Stat. 164; amended Sept. 4, 1964, Pub. L. 88–581, § 3(a), 78 Stat. 919; Oct. 22, 1965, Pub. L. 89–290, § 3(a), 79 Stat. 1056; Nov. 2, 1966, Pub. L. 89–709, § 2(a), 80 Stat. 1103; Aug. 16, 1968, Pub. L. 90–490, title I, § 101(a), (b)(1), 82 Stat. 773; Nov. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–157, title I, § 102(a), 85 Stat. 431; Oct. 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–484, title I, § 101(c), title III, § 302, 90 Stat. 2244, 2253; Aug. 13, 1981, Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVII, § 2723(a), (b), 95 Stat. 915, authorized grants for construction of teaching facilities for medical, dental, and other health personnel, prior to the general revision of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408.

A prior section 736 of act July 1, 1944, was classified to section 294i of this title prior to the general revision of this subchapter by Pub. L. 102–408.

### Amendments

2020—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 116–136 added subsec. (i) and struck out former subsec. (i). Text read as follows: “There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—

“(1) $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2015; and

“(2) and such sums as are necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.”

2010—Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 111–148 added subsecs. (h) and (i) and struck out former subsec. (h) which related to authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 1998 through 2002 and allocations of amounts.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Savings Provision

Pub. L. 105–392, title I, § 110, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3562, provided that: “In the case of any authority for making awards of grants or contracts that is terminated by the amendments made by this subtitle [subtitle A (§§ 101–110) of title I of Pub. L. 105–392, see Tables for classification], the Secretary of Health and Human Services may, notwithstanding the termination of the authority, continue in effect any grant or contract made under the authority that is in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 13, 1998], subject to the duration of any such grant or contract not exceeding the period determined by the Secretary in first approving such financial assistance, or in approving the most recent request made (before the date of such enactment) for continuation of such assistance, as the case may be.”