The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has launched its fiscal year 2026 Nursing Shortage Reduction Program (NSRP) grant cycle, including an estimated $23.4 million for 85 higher education institutions across the state.
Running through March 31, 2028, the funding cycle is supposed to deliver financial backing directly to accredited programs to expand student recruitment, retention, and graduation outcomes. According to the press release, the targeted grant distribution is designed to counter workforce shortfalls over the next decade.
According to projections by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the state will face a shortage of more than 50,000 to 56,000 registered nurses by the year 2036. THECB administrators said that the competitive grants will help public and independent institutions bypass bottlenecked capacity by funding advanced clinical simulators, adding part-time faculty, and expanding regional clinical slots.
The new funding is already underwriting instructional infrastructure upgrades at community colleges and regional universities. Weatherford College secured $658,141 to convert an existing skills lab into a high-fidelity simulation facility.
Melanie Sharp, director of Weatherford’s Associate Degree Nursing program, said that the specialized expansion will “increase program capacity and strengthen clinical competency” by giving students deeper access to realistic, evidence-based clinical scenarios.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi received a $467,093 award, the largest single NSRP grant ever obtained by its College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Dr. Hassan Aziz, Dean of the college, said that the state’s recognition reflects the dedication of local faculty and staff to mitigating regional healthcare gaps.
Program guidelines indicate that funds from the state’s Growth, Production, and Faculty tiers must be utilized exclusively for expenses that directly accelerate student throughput and clinical readiness.
“We’re not just filling seats; we’re preparing the nursing workforce the Coastal Bend needs,” said Dr. Christina Murphey, Associate Dean of Nursing at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, adding that every newly prepared graduate represents a direct investment in the long-term health of South Texas.