BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee officials presented a gift of $50,000 to the Hamilton County STEM High School, closing out the capital campaign for the school’s construction and bringing the final total to over $500,000 in private contributions in the past six months.
In providing this financial support to the regional STEM initiative, BlueCross joins many other business partners in cultivating a prepared workforce for the future. “The skills we need at our company today are different than they were yesterday, and they’ll be different still tomorrow. Exceptional STEM education is critical to the future success of not just our company, but our community, and BlueCross is proud to support these students,” said Bill Gracey, CEO of BlueCross.
Rick Smith, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, said that the gift from BlueCross is more than an investment in a building. “The generous gift from BlueCross is an investment in the future of our students. Our district is focused on improving and innovating STEM education,” Mr. Smith said. “I am extremely grateful to BlueCross and its commitment to helping our young people prepare for the challenging world ahead.”
Opened in August, the new STEM high school serves as a demonstration site for innovative practices in science, technology, engineering and math. The curriculum is focused on problem-solving and student-driven learning, using technology and collaboration to engage students in real-world situations and help them implement solutions.
“As we come to the end of the first semester of school, it is inspiring to look back on all our students have accomplished. Our students work collaboratively with their teachers to solve problems, rather than just receiving information from a book or a lecture,” says Dr. Tony Donen, STEM High School principal. “The faculty, staff and students are deeply appreciative of BlueCross’ investment in our school.”