BCBST CEO JD Hickey speaks at signing day
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University formally welcomed 29 Chattanooga-area high school students to the second class of the BlueSky Institute in a Saturday morning ceremony. This second cohort, which ultimately totals 30 students, doubles the size of the workforce development venture that offers the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in computing and a job offer in just over two years.
BlueSky Institute aims to foster the advanced technology talent BlueCross needs to serve its customers, communities and business partners, with an emphasis on engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds. Students progress through an accelerated version of ETSU’s accredited computing curriculum and gain real-world experience with technology and professional mentorships at BlueCross along the way. Those who complete the program have the option to launch their career with the company following graduation.
“It’s really exciting to see this program grow and develop,” said Bradley Leon, BlueSky Institute executive director. “Our first student cohort has benefited so much from the mentorship and intensive support our program offers, and they’ve fully engaged with the opportunities they’ve been given to develop their knowledge and tech skills. We look forward to applying the lessons and experiences of this first year to support our new class as they join us on campus.”
The second cohort of the BlueSky Institute includes graduates of 14 Chattanooga-area high schools:
Central High School
Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences
East Hamilton High School
East Ridge High School
The Howard School
Hixson High School
Marion County High School
Ooltewah High School
Red Bank High School
Sale Creek High School
Sequoyah High School
Soddy Daisy High School
STEM School of Chattanooga
Tyner High School
The students of the second cohort will join the inaugural class at the BlueSky Institute facility located within the BlueCross Cameron Hill headquarters in August. With the addition of the third cohort in fall 2024, the program will reach its maximum planned size of around 100 students.
“We look forward to what the future holds for each BlueSky Institute student, and for the program as a whole,” said Dr. Brian Bennett, chair and associate professor for the Department of Computing at ETSU. “We’re proud to be the educational partner for this initiative, which will continue to expand career opportunities for people across our region.”
Learn more about the BlueSky Institute program at blueskytn.com.
Students await the start of signing day