UTC’s Kynedi Jennings was one of six statewide recipients of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarships
photo by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga sophomore nursing major Kynedi Jennings was one of six Tennessee college students selected as recipients of the 2024 BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarship, funded by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation.
A native of Collierville, Tennessee, and a 2023 graduate of Briarcrest Christian High School in suburban Memphis, Jennings is passionate about becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Her long-term goal is to continue her education and become a nurse practitioner.
“I want to make a meaningful impact, particularly in underserved communities,” Ms.
Jennings said. “Getting this scholarship means a lot to me.”
Each year, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation awards six $10,000 BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarships based on students’ achievements in community service, leadership and academics—as well as their commitment to improving health equity in the state.
Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2013, the foundation has granted $475,000 in scholarships to 50 recipients pursuing degrees in health care. The scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited Tennessee institutions.
Ms. Jennings has demonstrated a solid commitment to serving others throughout her life. In high school, she completed over 300 hours of leadership development and community service as part of the Memphis Bridge Builders Youth Program. She also participated in the Leadership Collierville Youth Program.
These days, in addition to managing her academic workload at UTC, she volunteers at Medical Staffing Solutions, providing personal care for veterans and occasionally helping out at local homeless shelters.
“I just like helping people,” Ms. Jennings said. “Sometimes I’ll just be at home and I’ll have some bread or something—and I’ll just be like, ‘Let’s take peanut butter and jelly over there.’ I like to help everyone.”