OREANDA-NEWS. United Airlines continues its investment in the education and development of hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students by awarding more than USD 1 million in scholarships to its employees and their families through the United Scholarship Fund (USF).

A company-sponsored charity, the USF has awarded more than 750 scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year - more than 250 of them to new recipients - based on several factors, including financial need, academic standing, community involvement and leadership ability. This year's recipients live in four countries and seventeen states withinthe United States.

"Every year, the United Scholarship Fund enables us to invest in our employees' lives by giving them and their loved ones an opportunity to finish or further their educations," said Donna Towle, United's vice president of operations engagement and leadership. "We congratulate this year's scholarship winners and thank each of our employees and business partners who generously contribute to the USF year after year."

The USF is a private, nonprofit charity that supports the educational pursuits of employees and their dependents. Students have the opportunity to apply for a one-time scholarship of USD 1,000 or a USD 1,500 award renewable for up to five years, including one year of graduate school after completing a bachelor's degree.

Since its creation in 2002, the USF has contributed more than \\$9 million in scholarships to nearly 2,700 recipients. During the past three years, the charity has provided over \\$1 million annually in academic awards through employee contributions and fundraising efforts.