Seven HBCU students in health care related fields will have help paying their tuition this school year. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund in partnership with United Health Foundation’s Diverse Scholars Initiative has awarded $100,000 in scholarships to students attending their member-schools.

“African-Americans need a higher representation in the health care industry and this type of financial assistance will motivate and inspire more African-American students to enter into the health care profession,” said Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president and CEO of TMCF.

The scholarship organization made the announcement during their annual Diverse Scholars Forum held in Washington, D.C., July 24-26. 

The seven scholars are all juniors with majors in biology, nursing and sports science and fitness management and have an average GPA of 3.52. The scholarship recipients represent Bowie State University, Howard University, Texas Southern University, North Carolina A&T State University, Alcorn State University and North Carolina Central University.

TMCF partnered with United Health Foundation for the Diverse Scholars Initiative to help even the playing field in health-related fields for Black students. About 12 percent of the population is African-American, yet only 6 percent of physicians and 5 percent of registered nurses are African-American, according to the American Medical Association and Association of American Medical Colleges.
BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

(photo: Getty Images/Blend Images RM)