United Health Foundation Invests in the Future Health Workforce; Commits $2.25 Million in Scholarships to More Than 200 Students for the 2016-17 Academic Year

• Diverse Scholars Initiative supports undergraduate and graduate
  students pursuing careers in health care
• More than 1,800 scholarships, totaling over $13 million, have
  been awarded since 2007

MINNETONKA, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–More than 200 students studying to work in health care professions are
receiving $2.25 million in scholarships for the 2016-17 academic year
from United Health Foundation.

The funding is part of United Health Foundation’s commitment to
investing in the country’s future, diverse health care workforce. United
Health Foundation, in partnership with nine nonprofit and civic
organizations, is providing the scholarships to undergraduate and
graduate students through its Diverse
Scholars Initiative.

“Creating a future health workforce that meets a community’s diverse and
distinct health care needs is critical to building healthier
communities,” said Chris Stidman, president of United Health Foundation.
“Increasing access to culturally competent care helps reduce health care
disparities and improves health outcomes. United Health Foundation is
grateful for the opportunity to partner with national organizations and
nonprofits to invest in the future health workforce.”

Diverse Scholars Initiative and Partners

Since the Diverse Scholar Initiative’s inception in 2007, United Health
Foundation has awarded more than 1,800 scholarships totaling over $13
million.

“It’s been immensely helpful to have the financial support, but also the
mentorship opportunities,” said
Kenji Taylor, a 2013 United Health Foundation and National Medical
Fellowships Diverse Scholar. “It’s so powerful to have people who
inspire you and believe in your ability to do great things.” Taylor is
currently completing his residency in family medicine at the University
of California, San Francisco.

Scholarship applicants must demonstrate financial need, the pursuit of a
degree that will lead to a career as a primary care health professional,
and a commitment to working in underserved communities.

The nine grant partners will announce individual Diverse Scholars
recipients throughout the year.

• American
  Indian College Fund
• Asian
  & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
• Congressional
  Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
• Congressional
  Hispanic Caucus Institute
• National
  Association of Hispanic Nurses
• National
  Hispanic Health Foundation
• National
  Medical Fellowships
• The
  Jackie Robinson Foundation
• United
  Negro College Fund

United Health Foundation engages with the scholars throughout the year
to support their educational and professional goals, including hosting a
Diverse Scholars Forum in Washington, D.C., in June. The event will
bring together undergraduate-, graduate- and doctorate-level scholarship
recipients from across the nation. Scholars will meet with policymakers
and thought leaders to discuss the nation’s most pressing health issues,
network with peers and special guests, and engage in interactive
dialogue to share their own ideas and experiences.

Meet our 2016-17 Diverse Scholars throughout the year by visiting the Diverse
Scholar Initiative page or follow @UHGGives,
#DiverseScholars on Twitter.

About United Health Foundation

Through collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach
efforts, United Health Foundation works to improve our health system,
build a diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being
of local communities. United Health Foundation was established by
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private
foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date,
United Health Foundation has committed more than $285 million to
programs and communities around the world. We invite you to learn more
at www.unitedhealthfoundation.org
or follow @UHGGives on Twitter or Facebook.com/UHGGives.

Click
here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for UnitedHealth Group.

Contacts

United Health Foundation
LD Platt, 202-654-8830
ld_platt@uhg.com