Curriculum will combine coursework with mentoring to prepare local students for high-tech careers
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting education, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has provided $250,000 to fund the BlueCross Technology Academy at Soddy Daisy High School.
The program will launch for the 2019-2020 school year with an inaugural class of 30 students as part of the Hamilton County Department of Education’s Future Ready Institute initiative. Leaders from the BlueCross technology team will collaborate in tailoring the academy’s curriculum to provide high school students with the skills necessary for post-secondary success.
“Our Future Ready Institutes, through partnerships with community leaders like BlueCross, are expanding opportunities for our graduates and their families,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools.
Like its sister program at Red Bank High School, the BlueCross Technology Academy at Soddy Daisy High School will pair engaging classroom learning with professional mentors to prepare students for technology careers. The four-year curriculum will combine Future Ready Institute courses with core classes required for high school graduation.
“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 Scott Neal Wilson, director of community relations for BlueCross. “The newest BlueCross Technology Academy will help develop talent right here in our hometown, improving the lives of students and supporting our whole community.”
“Community partnerships are critical in connecting what students learn today with the employment demands of the future,” said Blake Freeman, executive director of early postsecondary success for Hamilton County Schools. “We’re excited to see BlueCross deepen its commitment to local schools.”
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide peace of mind through better health. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on serving more than 3.5 million members in Tennessee and across the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.bcbst.com.