The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is strengthening medical education across several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

According to information on RWJF’s website, an estimated 70% of the nation’s Black doctors and dentists are educated at HBCUs. These professionals often return to work in underserved areas and conduct inclusive research, notes the website, adding further importance to the foundation’s investment in HBCU medical programs.

Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine Awarded $1.75M

In early February 2026, The foundation awarded a $1.75 million grant to the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), supporting advancements in medical education and healthcare across the Gulf South and other regions, according to a news release. XOCOM leaders will receive support for development and engagement as they pursue preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education to become the “fifth allopathic HBCU medical school” in the nation, notes the release.

The grant will also support curriculum tailored to interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical proficiency, and compassionate patient care, and will provide hands-on learning and training opportunities for students. Ochsner Health will onboard as a partner to ensure students can address the healthcare challenges of today, which mirrors one of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s overarching goals in supporting HBCUs.

“A growing body of research shows that physicians who understand the communities in which they practice improve health outcomes by increasing patient trust. Through this medical school, we will train our physician scientists to provide compassionate care for each patient and to find new solutions and therapies,” said Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, president and founding dean of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, in the news release.

“By collaborating with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we will advance Xavier University of Louisiana’s mission to promote a more just and humane society and Ochsner’s vision of inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities,” Seoane continued.

Howard University Secures $1M

Howard University College of Medicine has also been awarded funds from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Announced separately in a February news release, the $1 million commitment will support the university’s efforts to educate physicians and advance health equity. It will target the College of Medicine’s Mini-Med School, STEM outreach initiatives, and the Summer Health Professions Education Program while supporting medical students who have interest in research, faculty productivity, and leadership development, the release stated.

“This is an amazing development for our community and for the scholars and leaders we support at every stage of their professional development,” said Marjorie Gondré-Lewis, Ph.D., associate dean for faculty development and justice equity diversity and inclusion at the Howard University College of Medicine, in a news release.

Beyond these HBCUs, RWJF has also invested in Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and Morgan State University.