UnitedHealth Group, a healthcare company, is investing $8.25 million to encourage students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to pursue careers in data analytics.
The group partnered with the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), the largest HBCU consortium and its member institutions including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Spelman College, to launch the Data Science Initiative. The initiative will offer technical classes for students who want to specialize in data science or learn data analysis.
The initiative will span over the next five years, allowing students in member HBCUs to learn about the use of advanced data analysis for academic research, and to focus specifically on studying disparities in minority communities.
“Many universities have refocused existing programs or developed new efforts to respond to the need for this, yet these responses are still insufficient based on projected demand,” Todd Greene, AUCC executive director, said.
The group will further arrange student internships, guest lectures, faculty development opportunities, and other joint efforts.
“Technology in general, and data science in particular, are critical to better meeting the needs of our customers,” David S. Wichmann, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support this initiative because it aligns with our desire to ensure our workforce for the future is diverse and possesses the skills needed to propel our company for continued success.”
Since 2007, UnitedHealth Group has invested more than $20 million to fund nearly 2,600 scholarships for students pursuing careers as primary health care providers as well.