$500,000 investment will support tech education programs at Red Bank and Soddy Daisy High Schools in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting education, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation will provide $50,000 per year to fund the BlueSky Technology Academies at Red Bank and Soddy Daisy High Schools for five more years, extending and evolving a partnership that began in 2019.
“We know how important public education is to the health of our community and we’re excited to continue supporting innovative programs for students,” said Chelsea Johnson, director of community relations at BlueCross. “The BlueSky Technology Academies will help develop talent right here in our hometown, improving the lives of students and supporting our community.”
As part of the renewed commitment, BlueCross is strengthening the connection between these high school programs and the company’s innovative BlueSky Tennessee Institute. BlueSky Institute offers students the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree in technology and a tech job at BlueCross in just 27 months.
The BlueSky Technology Academies will give Red Bank and Soddy Daisy high school students a tailored, focused curriculum and the skills necessary for post-secondary success. The BlueSky team and BlueCross technology leaders will help guide curriculum development based on the real-world skills technology workers need to thrive.
Dr. Olivia Bagby, director of Hamilton County Schools’ Future Ready Students Department, added, “We’re thrilled to renew our partnership with the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation for the BlueSky Technology Academies at Red Bank and Soddy Daisy High Schools. This collaboration means continued opportunities for students to excel in technology education, setting them up for success in the digital age.”
Each year, BlueCross welcomes students and teachers to its Cameron Hill campus in Chattanooga to hear from company leaders and enjoy a day of learning and educational activities.
For more on Future Ready Institutes, visit the Hamilton County Schools website.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and has brought peace of mind to its members and local communities for more than 75 years. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s news center at bcbstnews.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. It has awarded $120 million in grants since 2005. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.