$10,000 scholarships assist minority students pursuing health care careers

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation's 2017 Diversity Scholarship application period opened today and continues through March 1. Three $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to three minority college students pursuing health care careers.

Now in its fifth year, the diversity scholarship program was developed to help address the need for a qualified and more inclusive health care workforce in Tennessee. The scholarships are presented in partnership with the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) and recognize achievements in academics, community service and leadership.

"These scholarships help outstanding minority students to achieve continued academic success," said Ron Harris, vice president of workforce diversity for BlueCross. "And in addition to that, this program serves to increase diversity in the health care field."

According to BlueCross research on health care reform and its effects on minority populations in Tennessee, African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and other minorities remain underrepresented in medical professions compared to their numbers in the population.

For more information, including FAQs and the application, go to the community diversity page on bcbst.com.