The BlueCross Technology Academy at Soddy Daisy High was announced today at the Chattanooga offices of BlueCross BlueShield. The Soddy Daisy program joins Red Bank High school as a community partner in technology education with BlueCross. The Red Bank partnership was announced in March of this year. Hamilton County Schools administrators, students, and BlueCross BlueShield representatives gathered for the announcement.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation will provide $250,000 in support of the Future Ready Institute program at Soddy Daisy High. The BlueCross technology team will also collaborate with school instructors in tailoring the curriculum in the program to provide high school students with the skills necessary for success after graduation. BlueCross will also share business expertise and experience with the students in the program.
The BlueCross Technology Academy at Soddy Daisy High will combine engaging classroom learning with professional mentors from BlueCross to prepare graduates for technology careers. The BlueCross Technology Academy at Soddy Daisy will be open to all students in Hamilton County Schools.
“We started Future Ready Institutes so that our students would have every opportunity possible for future success and we knew community partnerships with companies like BlueCross would be an integral part of our success,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. “I encourage students at Soddy Daisy and Red Bank to take full advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the field you are interested in as a career from these professionals who live the work every day. The relationships and the expertise that you have available to you now through this partnership is an incredible opportunity.”
BlueCross representatives opened the facility for the students to tour. The Soddy Daisy students were able to see the technology used in the operation of BlueCross and talk with the employees that make the technology work for the people served by the company.
Future Ready Institutes challenge the traditional approach to education in high schools by developing career-themed small learning communities. Themes include medicine, robotics, forensic science, engineering, hospitality, technology, business, marketing and more. Teachers of all content areas including English, math, science and social studies work closely with the career theme teacher to provide classroom instruction through the lens of a career. The goal is for students to clearly understand why a lesson is important and how they will use the information in the future.
“We know how important public education is to the health of our community and we’re excited to continue supporting innovative programs for students,” said Scott Neal Wilson, director of community relations and health foundation for BlueCross. “The BlueCross Technology Academies at Red Bank and Soddy Daisy will help develop talent right here in our hometown, improving the lives of students and supporting the whole community.”
Photo: Jared Ward, IT Operations team leader for BlueCross, talks with students and staff about the technology used in the BlueCross Operations Center.