This project will support up to six states and territories in advancing their governors’ priorities to strengthen SNAP and Medicaid in response to H.R. 1.
The NGA Center for Best Practices Children and Families and Health teams are excited to release a request for applications (RFA) for the Policy Academy to Strengthen Benefit Systems Through Innovative Technology. In response to new federal requirements under H.R. 1, this 12-month policy academy will support state and territory teams in strengthening their SNAP and Medicaid programs. States and territories will have the flexibility to define their own priorities and focus areas across a wide variety of goals.
The project period will run from July 2026 through July 2027. NGA will select up to six states and territories to assist with in-depth technical assistance, connections to peers, and building relationships with leading subject matter experts to help governors’ offices effectively implement the requirements included in H.R. 1, including through the use of innovative technology. The selected teams will gain additional capacity through dedicated technical assistance providers, strategic advising from NGA, and opportunities to engage with peer states in-person and online.
All applications must be received by June 17 at 8 p.m. ET.
NGA will host an informational call for interested states and territories to learn more about the goals, activities, expectations and timeline on June 2 at 2 p.m. ET. Register here.
View the RFA here. For more information or questions about this policy academy, please contact Jess Kirchner (jkirchner@nga.org) or Anna Heard (aheard@nga.org).
