PROVIDENCE, RI – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has awarded scholarships to five local students on behalf of the Employees’ Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by BCBSRI employees. The organization awards college scholarships to fellow employees’ children annually to provide opportunities for college and invest in the future of the Rhode Island community.

The foundation has awarded five 2019 scholarships to local students:

• 1st place: $5,000, Matthew Carlson from Glocester
• 2nd place: $2,500, Alexandra Brassard from Bristol
• 3rd place: $2,500, Madison Paine from Seekonk, Mass 
• 4th place: $1,500, Hailey Bodycoat from Newport
• 5th place: $1,000, Nathan Schreiner from Rehoboth, Mass

“As a local, nonprofit organization, Blue Cross strives to make a difference in the community," said Gus Manocchia, BCBSRI executive vice president and chief medical officer and chair of the Employees’ Scholarship Foundation. “Our associates’ investment in the students through this program is a great example of our dedication to the community’s future, by helping to pay for a college education, which as we all know has become pretty much a requirement in today’s world."

Applications were reviewed by an independent team of judges, with five winners selected based on superior academic and personal achievements including involvement in the community, letters of recommendation, personal essays and test scores. The judging panel included volunteers June Tow, former commissioner on the Judicial Nominating Commission; Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi, University of Rhode Island  Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Systems Engineering; and Sybil Bailey, director of Human Resources for the City of Providence.

To date, the Foundation has awarded 245 scholarships toward higher education, totaling more than $427,000. Funds are raised through the generous donations of BCBSRI employees. The grants are designated for college tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living.