The BlueCross Foundation has doubled the number of BlueCross Power of We Scholarships it is awarding for 2020, bringing the total to six.
This year’s recipients include two from the Memphis area and a University of Memphis student from Franklin, Tenn.
“The BlueCross Power of We Scholarship is one way we’ve been working toward health equity,” said Ron Harris, vice president of diversity and inclusion at BlueCross.
“For many years, we’ve been supporting some of our state’s brightest students – who will lean on their unique insights as they deliver high-quality care for Tennesseans.”
Since 2012, the foundation has awarded the scholarship to outstanding minority students to address health disparities Tennessee minority groups face by increasing representation in the state’s health care workforce. Each winner will receive $10,000 toward school tuition.
This year’s additional scholarships are part of the company’s larger commitment to address systemic racism and injustice within Tennessee communities.
This year’s recipients are:
In lieu of the BlueCross Foundation’s annual event celebrating the winners, which was canceled due to COVID-19, each recipient received a gift package for this school year, including a MacBook, AirPods and a Fitbit.
The additional Power of We Scholarships build on several education programs supported by the BlueCross Foundation:
- $1 million investment in the HCS EdConnect initiative in Hamilton County, which will provide no-cost internet access to underserved students on free and reduced lunch, ensuring they can participate in virtual learning opportunities this year
- $500,000 to establish the BlueCross Technology Academies at Soddy Daisy and Red Bank High Schools
- $500,000 grant over three years to STEP-UP Chattanooga to provide internships and job readiness training for students
(For more information, about this year’s BlueCross Power of We Scholars, visit BCBSTNews.com.)
