Governor Abbott Announces $5.6 Million in Grants for Innovative Nursing Education Programs

August 7, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced more than $5.6 million in grants to eight Texas colleges and universities. The Nursing Innovation Grant Program (NIGP) supports new and expanded projects that improve or extend nursing programs. The awards fund innovative prelicensure educational programs for nursing students and expand healthcare workforce capacity across the state.

“Texas builds the healthcare workforce of tomorrow with strategic investments in nursing education,” said Governor Abbott. “These grants fund innovative programs that prepare more nurses for service in communities across the state. A robust pipeline of well-trained nurses strengthens patient care across Texas and delivers the skilled professionals our communities need.” 

“Providing quality healthcare and increasing access to care require a strong infrastructure of education for nurses and other medical professionals,” said Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser. “Grants from the NIGP contribute to that framework by encouraging and funding new approaches and flexibility in existing programs.”

Funded projects may include development of new competency-based nursing curricula, addition of clinical sites or preceptors, or creation of pathways in nursing education. The program also supports stackable credentials for multiple nursing roles, from certificates for nursing aides through baccalaureate degrees in nursing.

Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature created the NIGP in 2023 to support innovation in nursing education and provided additional funding in 2025. Eligible projects must align with Texas Board of Nursing Education regulations or seek approval for projects not covered by existing rules.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board manages the NIGP. The 2026 recipients receive funding for the grant period that begins September 1, 2026, and ends August 31, 2028.

2026-2028 NIGP Award Recipients:

• Alamo Community College – San Antonio College: $748,736

• Austin Community College: $750,000
 
• Sam Houston State University: $750,000

• Tarrant County College District: $735,134

• Texas Women’s University: $749,977

• The University of Houston: $750,000

• The University of Texas - Austin: $459,840

Learn more about the Nursing Innovation Grant Program on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website.