Awarding scholarships to today’s inspiring young leaders is a great investment in the future. The Diverse Scholars Initiative supports our commitment to improve the health care system by increasing the number of professionals from multicultural backgrounds. Hundreds of United Health Foundation Diverse Scholars are working hard to attain their higher education goals, and eventually will start careers in the health industry. These bright students, who often come from lower-income multicultural backgrounds, will increase the number of qualified, yet underrepresented, health care professionals entering the workforce.
United Health Foundation began its Diverse Scholars Initiative in 2007 and since have helped hundreds of multicultural students reach their higher education dreams while inspiring them to pursue careers in health. Over $3.5 million in scholarships has been awarded to some of the best and brightest talent. These empowered young professionals are a testament to demonstrating how cultural relevance can improve the quality and delivery of effective health care.
Current statistics indicate the number of multicultural health practitioners is quite low:
- African Americans represent 13% of the U.S. population, but only 4% of physicians, 5% of nurses, and 5% of dentists.1
- American Latinos represent 16% of the total population, but only 4% of physicians, 6% of nurses, and 5% of dentists.1
- The Indian Health Service physician vacancy rate is as high as 17% 2, while American Indians have significantly higher rates of tuberculosis, alcoholism, and diabetes than other Americans.
Research shows that when patients are treated by health professionals who share their language, culture and ethnicity, they are more likely to accept and receive medical treatment. Minority health professionals are also more likely to serve minority populations than are health professionals in general. We believe fostering the careers of more diverse and multicultural health professionals will create a more culturally relevant and effective health care system, particularly in underserved communities.
1 Missing Persons: Minorities in the Health Professions; A Report of the Sullivan Commission on Diversity in the Healthcare Workforce; September 2004.
2 Indian Health Service Workforce Fact Sheet; January 2008.
Our partners
United Health Foundation proudly partners with leading nonprofit and civic organizations to select and award scholarships to deserving students pursuing careers in health. To qualify, scholars must demonstrate a financial need and a strong commitment to working in underserved communities, including community health centers.
To apply for scholarships, please visit the following websites. Specific requirements and application deadlines vary by organization.
African American Health Scholars
American Indian Health Scholars
Asian American Health Scholars
Latino Health Scholars
