Optum RX Next Generation Scholarship Program
The Optum Rx Next Generation Scholarship supports high-achieving students dedicated to advancing health equity and serving diverse communities.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be currently enrolled in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CoPPS) (P1–P4) or the Institute of Public Health (IPH).
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with no history of academic dishonesty or professional misconduct.
Preference will be given to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to health equity, community pharmacy practice, and/or serving disadvantaged populations, including leadership or active involvement in these areas.
- Award
- Varies
- Departments
- College of Pharmacy
- Deadline
- 03/04/2026
- Supplemental Questions
- In a 2–3 page academic essay (maximum 1,000 words), reflect on health disparities within the pharmacy profession and the broader healthcare system. Drawing from your academic, professional, or community experiences, address the following: Personal Observations of Disparities: Describe specific instances in which you have observed or experienced health inequities. How have these experiences shaped your understanding of disparities in healthcare? Role of Pharmacy and Healthcare Systems: Analyze the role pharmacies and the larger healthcare system should play in addressing the disparities you identified. What responsibilities do pharmacists and other healthcare professionals have in reducing inequities and promoting health equity? Recommendations for Equitable Care: Propose concrete cultural, structural, or procedural changes within pharmacies or the healthcare ecosystem that would help promote more equitable care. How would these changes ensure fair, unbiased treatment for all patient populations? Formatting Requirements: Your essay must be typed, double-spaced, in a standard 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Include your name and student ID in a header or on a title page, and number all pages.
- What is your current level?