BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation provides $250,000 in support as part of Future Ready Institute program
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting education, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation has provided $250,000 to fund the BlueCross Technology Academy at Red Bank High School.
The program was launched at Red Bank in 2018 as part of the Hamilton County Schools’ Future Ready Institute initiative. Now, leaders from the BlueCross technology team will collaborate in tailoring the 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.
The BlueCross Technology Academy at Red Bank High School will combine engaging classroom learning with professional mentors to prepare students for technology careers. BlueCross Tech will officially open for the 2019 school year with around 40 freshman students. Its 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 and health foundation for BlueCross. “The BlueCross Technology Academy will help develop talent right here in our hometown, improving the lives of students and supporting our whole community.”
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger added, “We have always believed partnerships between the private sector and government are a key to the future success of not only Hamilton County but also future generations. We welcome this significant contribution from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, and we greatly appreciate its commitment, leadership and generosity.”
“Community partnerships are critical in connecting what students learn today with the employment demands of the future,” said Blake Freeman, director of Future Ready Institutes for Hamilton County Schools. “We’re excited to see BlueCross join as a corporate partner and deepen its commitment to local schools.”
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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.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health 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 Places program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.