CHEYENNE, WYO – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Caring Foundation is proud to announce the 2020-2021 recipients of its scholarship program aimed at helping Wyoming students achieve training for careers in health care. The Caring Foundation’s scholarship program provides financial support for students at Wyoming’s seven community colleges and the University of Wyoming for a combined investment of more than $65,000 each year.
“With the nationwide shortage of nurses and through conversations with our hospital partners, we know Wyoming hospitals have a unique need when it comes to recruiting and hiring nurses – particularly in more rural settings. Nursing education is an area we can help strengthen to support our rural hospital system.” said Diane Gore, BCBSWY president and CEO.
The Caring Foundation provides scholarships in three different programs:
The Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Scholar’s Program at the University of Wyoming began in 2016 with three scholarships and was increased to five this year. At least two of the scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a DNP with an emphasis on psychiatric mental health to help address Wyoming’s critical shortage of mental health and substance abuse resources.
This year’s Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Caring Foundation Scholars: Roland Moldonado (Laramie), Kristin Wilkes (Torrington), Lauren Hamilton (Cheyenne), Jilaena Freitas (Powell), and Samantha Baker (Powell).
The ReNew (Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming) program supports students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
The ReNEW program lets students complete their BSN while attending classes at Wyoming’s community colleges. This unique aspect of the program is designed to offer distance learning, often serving non-traditional students and those who may be employed in their community as a CNA, LPN, or RN, allowing them to earn their advanced degree locally.
“The ReNew program stands out as a great example of collaboration between UW School of Nursing and our seven community colleges to find solutions to meet people where they are. The Caring Foundation is committed to supporting these programs.” said Dan Sullivan, of Casper, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Caring Foundation.
This year’s ReNew Scholarship recipients: Danielle Porter (Casper), Shelby Bowen (Laramie), Cory Cordova (Rock Springs), Angela Tillotson (Powell).
Health Professions Scholarships are also provided each year to students at all seven community college and the University of Wyoming who are studying any field related to a health profession. This program might support students enrolled in Allied Health programs, which includes areas like dental hygiene, emergency medical services, and many others.
This year’s Health Professions Scholarship recipients: Kaylan Maez (Lingle), Holly Blau (Rock Springs), Kalyn Felstet (Casper), Allie Cothern (Sheridan), Alissa Ferullo (Powell), and Esmeralda Chacon (Cheyenne).
The Caring Foundation is proud to invest in Wyoming’s future health care workforce because strengthening Wyoming’s health care system ensures Wyoming families can continue to get the health care they need—wherever they live in Wyoming. Supporting our communities will always be important to us.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming (BCBSWY), a not-for-profit health insurer and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, provides access to high quality health care coverage, services and programs to help our members make the best health care decisions and get the best care. With 10 locations across Wyoming, we provide hometown service to residents and businesses while serving people and charitable organizations in communities around the state. Learn more about us at BCBSWY.com.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation of Wyoming
As a caring community, BCBSWY has been involved in promoting the good health and well-being of Wyoming residents by participating in and contributing to many health-related charities and causes. In 1990, BCBSWY established the Caring Foundation of Wyoming to help sustain this mission. The Caring Foundation of Wyoming focuses its support through charitable giving. For more information, visit www.bcbswy.com/company_info/foundation