Minority students with strong academic records and community service experience who intend to pursue a career in health care are encouraged to apply for the BlueCross Power of We Scholarship.
Applications will be accepted through Feb. 12. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit bcbstnews.com/scholarship.
Established in 2013, the Power of We Scholarship program aims to build a more inclusive health care workforce in Tennessee, ultimately addressing the historic lack of opportunity and health disparities that minority populations face.
“These scholarships are a much-needed resource for many bright and talented students in our state,” said Ron Harris, vice president of corporate workforce diversity for BlueCross. “The financial assistance will help them achieve their dreams while improving access to care and overall health for our neighbors across Tennessee.”
Harris has served in various management roles at BlueCross for 30 years and is also a co-founder of the BlueCross BlueShield Association Diversity Alliance. He provides strategic leadership and counsel for diversity initiatives within the organization, including diversity awareness training, recruitment, cultural competency training, employee development and community outreach.
The scholarships are presented in partnership with the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) – Memphis Chapter and recognize achievements in academics, community service and leadership.
“We are proud to support the BlueCross Foundation and the BlueCross Power of We Scholarship,” said Sheena Freeman, president of NAHSE – Memphis Chapter. “We hope that by working together, we can improve inclusion in health care, helping more Tennesseans to seek regular care, establish trust and feel understood by their providers, which we believe will contribute to improved health outcomes in our communities.”
In 2020, the BlueCross Foundation doubled the number of awards given from three to six as part of the company’s larger commitment to address systemic racism and injustice within Tennessee communities.
Since the program was established, the BlueCross Foundation has awarded $405,000 in scholarships, helping more than a dozen promising students continue their studies in the fields of nursing, medical technology, pharmacy and more.
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. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.