THE BATON ROUGE CLINIC AND BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF LOUISIANA FOUNDATION AWARD SECOND ANNUAL HEALTH FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP TO LOCAL STUDENTS
The Baton Rouge Clinic (BRC) and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation joined forces to award $75,000 in total scholarships to 12 Baton Rouge students pursuing healthcare-focused degrees. In its second year, the Health Fellows Scholarship program aims to expand medical career opportunities for diverse young people. The medical organizations will honor recipients at a reception on Monday, April 25, at 6:00pm at the Baton Rouge Clinic.
“The Baton Rouge Clinic has recognized the racial and ethnic disparities that exist within our healthcare delivery system and is proud to partner with BRYC to create opportunities for an equitable workforce of the future. We should all do our part in trying to eliminate the obstructions and reduce the hurdles diverse students face,” said Ed Silvey, BRC CEO.
“Addressing our state’s healthcare workforce needs requires immediate action. But it will also take long-term efforts to sustain training, recruiting and career services that are equitable. We are proud to partner with BRYC, who we believe will be an important part of creating that momentum,” said Michael Tipton, Blue Cross Foundation President.
Finalists were chosen from the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC), a college- and career-access program serving under-resourced students in the Greater Baton Rouge area.
A panel of BCBSLA and BRC representatives joined BRYC board members, alumni and employees to review 46 applications, consisting of an essay and supporting materials demonstrating career aspirations. The committee selected the following scholarship high school seniors, college students and graduates:
- K’ylen Duhe, Liberty Magnet High School
- Ekene Ejiofor, Zachary High School
- Nyla Gayle, Liberty Magnet High School
- Jayla Hill, Liberty Magnet High School
- Cameron LeBrane, Liberty Magnet High School
- Patricia Saidu, Liberty Magnet High School
- Gianni Taylor, Ascension Christian High School
- Londyn Edwards, Louisiana State University
- Jasmine Gray, Louisiana State University
- Kari Stephens, Louisiana State University
- Khaliah Knighten, Prairie View A&M University
- Brandon Vincent, Loyola University of New Orleans
Individual scholarship amounts vary by classification – high school finalists receive $5,000, college students $10,000, and graduates pursuing medical school $5,000.
The Baton Rouge Clinic is a premier, multi-specialty clinic, offering a comprehensive range of outstanding medical services to families throughout Baton Rouge and the surrounding region.
The Blue Cross Foundation promotes the wellness and wellbeing of Louisianans by supporting health- or community well-being related causes.
The Baton Rouge Youth Coalition provides students the best college-preparatory and persistence resources money can buy — for free — so they can maximize the economic value of their degrees, build the lives they want for themselves, and help future generations do the same. BRYC serves 240 eighth through twelfth grade students across 13 districts and two states, and 509 alumni.