Sandra Meija Mejia, a first-generation student from Hixson, had initially hoped to move away for college.  

But the allure of guaranteed employment and a sought-after degree in just 27 months –  while being close to her parents – was too much to pass up.  

“I know how important college is, and it can provide many, many opportunities,” Mejia reflected.   

Mejia and 26 other classmates from East Tennessee State University’s College of Business and Technology will make history as the first graduates of the BlueSky Tennessee Institute, a milestone they will celebrate at ETSU’s Fall Commencement later this week.    

BlueSky Tennessee Institute is a remarkable partnership between BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) and ETSU that offers students the opportunity to earn an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in computing in 27 months at no cost to the student and receive a job offer for a competitive position with the company upon graduation.   

Although students are free to seek employment where they wish after completing the program, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s goal is to hire as close as possible to 100% of the BlueSky Tennessee Institute’s students after graduation.  

That goal was met in the very first graduating cohort: all 27 students will go to work in competitive roles with the company.  

“This partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee exemplifies the innovative spirit of ETSU,” said Dr. Tony Pittarese, dean of ETSU’s College of Business and Technology. “We are incredibly proud of these graduates for paving the way and demonstrating the tremendous opportunities this program creates for our students and region. In addition to their classroom studies, each of these students was mentored by a BCBST executive and completed a full year of internships where they had the opportunity to work alongside information technology professionals in different parts of the organization.”  

Students getting hands-on learning opportunities is at the core of ETSU’s approach to education. Across a range of programs, ETSU aims to help students shift seamlessly from enrollment to employment.     

“Programs like BlueSky Tennessee Institute highlight ETSU’s dedication to preparing students for successful, in-demand careers,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of innovative partnerships in delivering education that equips students with the skills to thrive in today’s workforce.”  

Mejia credits the program’s supportive staff for helping her hone a range of skills.   

Software engineers taught her coding. Instructors helped her develop a game. Staff pushed her to be creative.    

“Being a cohort one student, you are  setting the way for others who come after you,” she said. “I will always remember this part of my life because it has been a great journey.”   

The BlueSky Tennessee Institute is currently enrolling its fourth cohort of students. For further information, visit the BlueSky Tennessee Institute Program.

ETSU celebrates 1,369 members of the Class of 2024 on Saturday, Dec. 14, with ceremonies slated for 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Visit etsu.edu/commencement for additional information.   

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East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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