HRSA launched the Scholars program earlier in the year to attract talented new employees to support the agency’s mission of expanding access to quality health care for all Americans. Creation of the program was sparked by agency staffing forecasts which showed that many of HRSA’s most experienced employees soon will be eligible for retirement.

The cornerstone of the new program is a year-long training and development curriculum that each scholar will complete. Scholars will rotate to new assignments in the agency every three months, giving them access to four program and administrative areas during their first year. Rotation supervisors in each HRSA bureau and office will supervise the Scholars. Each Scholar also has been assigned a mentor during the first year who will serve as a source of assistance and support.

Once Scholars complete the 12-month curriculum, HRSA will offer them additional learning opportunities for two to three more years.