The five-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will renew funding for existing centers in Grand Island, Norfolk, Scottsbluff and Omaha. The new Lincoln center is designed to serve the southeast region of the state.

The Area Health Education Centers work with local schools and community agencies to promote careers in the health industry. They also help health-profession students gain experience in under-served communities.

Grant funding for the first year is more than $457,000. Dr. Michael Sitorius, chairman of the Omaha center, says the grant will allow the existing centers to continue their work.