(BLACK PR WIRE)- The United Health Foundation is providing $1,225,000 in scholarships for the upcoming academic year to more than 200 students from diverse, multicultural backgrounds.

The scholarships, averaging $5,000 per student, are being offered through United Health Foundation's Diverse Scholars Initiative and are awarded to African- American, American-Indian, Asian-American and Latino and Hispanic students planning to pursue careers in health care.

By cultivating health professionals from diverse, multicultural backgrounds, the Diverse Scholars Initiative is designed to increase culturally competent health care delivery, close the health disparities gap and improve health outcomes over the long term.

Since 2007, United Health Foundation has committed more than $3 million to the Initiative for scholarships benefiting more than 585 students.

“These outstanding scholars will be an integral part of the future of our nation's health care system and a health care work force that reflects the rich diversity of our country. Helping to support and develop these diverse, future health care leaders is one way that United Health Foundation works to improve our communities', and our nation's, health and well-being,” said Jeannine Rivet, UnitedHealth Group executive vice president and interim president of United Health Foundation.

The Diverse Scholars Initiative is administered through partnerships with a variety of nonprofit and civic organizations.

While United Health Foundation does not select the recipients, scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need, the pursuit of a degree that will lead to a career in a health field, and a commitment to working in underserved communities, including community health centers. Additional requirements and application deadlines vary by organization.

The organizations are experienced in scholarship administration and have reputations for achieving excellence with these programs.

They also have the ability to identify and engage with students who are most in need of financial support.

Guided by a passion to help people live healthier lives, United Health Foundation provides helpful information to support decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities.

The Foundation also supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and partners with others to improve the well being of communities.

Since established by UnitedHealth Group in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation, the Foundation has committed more than $176 million to improve health and health care.

For more information, visit www.unitedhealthfoundation. org.