Zennia Nesmith
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has selected six students from around the state as recipients of its 2022 BlueCross Power of We Scholarships. Since 2013, the BlueCross Foundation has awarded the scholarship to help increase representation in Tennessee’s health care workforce and address health disparities minority groups face. Each of this year’s recipients will receive $10,000 toward school tuition. To date, the foundation has awarded $345,000 in scholarships to 38 students.
“The BlueCross Power of We Scholarship is one way we’ve been working toward health equity,” says Ron Harris, vice president of corporate workforce diversity at BlueCross. “We are proud to support some of our state’s brightest students, and we hope they will use their unique insights and experiences to help deliver high-quality care for all Tennesseans.”
This year’s recipients are:
Destiny Bryant – Nashville
Senior, Nursing Major
University of Memphis
Audra Grace Crutchfield – Memphis
Junior, Nursing Major
University of Memphis
Brionna Cunningham – Jackson
Senior, Biology Major
Middle Tennessee State University
Bryson Hartsell – Knoxville
Junior, Therapeutic Recreation
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
Tzipora Hunter-Davis – Nashville
Senior, Nursing Major
University of Memphis
Zennia Nesmith – Chattanooga
Junior, Psychology Major
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
The Power of We Scholarship is one of several education programs supported by the BlueCross Foundation, including:
$1 million investment in the HCS EdConnect initiative in Hamilton County, which provided no-cost internet access to underserved students on free and reduced lunch, ensuring they could participate in virtual learning opportunities during the pandemic
$500,000 to establish the BlueCross Technology Academies at Soddy Daisy and Red Bank High Schools in Chattanooga
$500,000 provided over three years to STEP-UP Chattanooga to offer internships and job readiness training for students
The BlueCross Foundation will begin accepting applications for 2023 BlueCross Power of We Scholarships later this year. Recipients are selected in partnership with the National Association of Health Services Executives – Memphis Chapter.