In 2022, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina partnered with Benedict College and Claflin University to launch the BlueScholars program. This program aims to expand educational and career opportunities for students at historically Black colleges and universities.

“The BlueScholars program is our commitment to advancing tomorrow’s leaders. Through education and mentorship, we are not just shaping careers but crafting our organization’s and community’s future,” said Vice President of Human Resources BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, David Cote.

Each year, the program awards full four-year scholarships which cover tuition, room and board to select first-year students from both schools.

“The success of the BlueScholars program is a testament to the transformative power of education. This first class of students has set a high standard of academic excellence. As we welcome the second class of BlueScholars, we are excited to see what these students will achieve,” said Claflin University President, Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack.

The second class has been announced, with eight students from Benedict College and Claflin University receiving scholarships. The program includes career development workshops, panel discussions and other events to prepare students for employment opportunities with BlueCross.

Students in the BlueScholars program will be able to intern with BlueCross, providing them with valuable leadership experience.

“Benedict College remains grateful for the strategic investment made in her students by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. This thoughtful and well-rounded approach to talent development has resulted in eight Benedict students and graduates being selected by the company for this program. As we introduce our second class of BlueScholars, I remain hopeful for the future of this partnership and the positive mutual benefit derived from this transformational investment in South Carolina’s workforce and Benedict College,” said Benedict President and CEO Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.

About BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Headquartered in Columbia and operating in South Carolina for 75 years, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The only South Carolina-owned and -operated health insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina comprises more than 20 companies involved in health insurance services, U.S. Department of Defense health program and Medicare contracts, other insurance and employee benefits services, and a philanthropic foundation that funds programs to improve health care and access to health care for South Carolinians.

About Benedict College

Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 26 competitive baccalaureate degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from all 46 counties in South Carolina, 30 states across America and 26 countries around the world.

About Claflin University

Claflin University is a comprehensive institution of higher education affiliated with the United Methodist Church. A historically Black university founded in 1869, Claflin is dedicated to providing a student-centered, liberal arts education grounded in cutting-edge research, experiential learning, state-of-the-art technology, community service, and lifelong personal and professional development. Claflin is a diverse and inclusive community of students, faculty, staff and administrators who work to cultivate practical wisdom, judgment, knowledge, skills and character needed for globally engaged citizenship and effective leadership.