Health Care Scholars United
Offered by United Health Foundation
About This Scholarship
Health Care Scholars United is part of the United Health Foundation's $100 million, 10-year commitment, launched in 2022, to strengthen the U.S. healthcare workforce. Administered by Scholarship America, the program awards $3,200 scholarships — up to 325 in this cycle — to current and aspiring healthcare professionals working toward clinical credentials, with a goal of supporting 10,000 scholars by 2033.
The program targets students close to the finish line: applicants must be enrolled (full or part time, undergraduate or graduate) in a U.S.-based clinical degree or certificate program at the time awards are distributed in November 2026, and must be on track to graduate or complete their program by August 31, 2027. Priority goes to students pursuing pharmacy, rural health, behavioral health, maternal health, or primary care.
This is a need-based award — applicants must demonstrate financial need — and the application includes three short-answer responses of roughly 250 words each covering career goals, overcoming a professional challenge, and improving access to quality care. Students graduating later than August 2027 are directed to the next cycle, which opens in early 2027.
Eligibility
- Pursuing a certification or degree leading to a clinical health career (priority: pharmacy, rural health, behavioral health, maternal health, primary care)
- Enrolled full or part time in an accredited U.S.-based program (in-person or virtual) at the time of award distribution in November 2026
- On track to graduate or complete the program no later than August 31, 2027
- Demonstrate financial need
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
How To Apply
- Complete the online application on the Scholarship America portal by September 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. CT
- Provide financial information for Scholarship America's need determination
- Write three short-answer responses (about 250 words each) on your healthcare career goals, a professional challenge you overcame, and how you will improve access to quality care
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Health Care Scholars United award renewable?
No. The portal states it is a one-time award — it is not renewable, and past recipients may not reapply. Students who graduate after August 31, 2027 are encouraged to apply to the next cycle, which opens in early 2027.
How many scholarships are awarded?
The portal states that up to 325 awards of $3,200 each are available in this cycle. The Foundation's long-term goal is to support 10,000 scholars by 2033.