DEERFIELD, Ill. One of the nation's largest drug store chains is donating $1.1 million to benefit accredited pharmacy schools around the country.

Walgreens said each school will receive $10,000, of which $2,000 will be put toward a Walgreens diversity scholarship to a student who demonstrates a commitment to raising awareness for diversity and community outreach. The remaining $8,000 can be used to develop, implement and support programs that inspire more diversity among the student body. Since 2008, Walgreens has donated more than $3 million to support initiatives dedicated to promoting diversity.

“This is an exciting time for future pharmacists to see what a critical role they will play as patient needs grow and evolve,” said Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy services. “From one-on-one patient consultations to immunizations, health-and-wellness education and community outreach, we want the next generation of talent to know how vital community pharmacy is to meeting today’s healthcare needs.”