Milestone class joins BlueCross/ETSU program to earn a bachelor’s degree and job offer in just over 2 years
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — On Saturday, April 20, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BlueCross) formally welcomed 30 Chattanooga-area high school students to the third class of its BlueSky Tennessee Institute powered by East Tennessee State University (ETSU). This brings the tech workforce development venture to full capacity with ~90 students, offering a bachelor’s degree in computing and an opportunity to earn a job offer in just over two years.
BlueSky Institute is developing the advanced technology talent BlueCross needs to serve its customers, business partners, and communities across the state, prioritizing recruiting for students in groups traditionally underrepresented in technology careers. Students take an accelerated path through ETSU’s accredited computing curriculum and receive real-world experience with technology as well as professional mentoring and comprehensive support from BlueCross along the way, all on site at the company’s Chattanooga headquarters. Program graduates may have the opportunity to launch their career with the company following graduation.
“We are so pleased to reach this milestone for the program,” said Bradley Leon, BlueSky Tennessee Institute executive director. “Our first and second cohorts are thriving, and they’re rapidly developing their professional knowledge and advancing their tech skills with support from professors and mentors. We look forward to having a full house as we bring the benefits and comprehensive support of a BlueSky education to the maximum planned number of students.”
The third cohort of the BlueSky Institute includes graduates of 11 high schools in the greater Chattanooga area:
- Bradley County High School
- Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Cleveland High School
- East Ridge High School
- Heritage High School
- Hixson High School
- Ooltewah High School
- Red Bank High School
- Sale Creek High School
- Soddy Daisy High School
- STEM School of Chattanooga
The students of the third cohort will join their peers at the BlueSky Tennessee Institute facility inside the BlueCross Cameron Hill headquarters in August.
“It’s exciting to welcome our third cohort, which brings the program to its full capacity,” said Dr. Brian Bennett, chair and associate professor for the Department of Computing at ETSU. “We look forward to working alongside BlueCross to support and encourage these students to fully embrace this career and educational opportunity.”
Learn more about the BlueSky Institute program at blueskytn.com.
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.