A Bold Blueprint

BlueSky Institute's first graduating cohort at Commencement in December 2024.

A new short documentary, “The BlueSky Bet,” is shining a light on one of East Tennessee State University’s most innovative partnerships — and what it means for the future of workforce-ready education.

Available now on BlueSky and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) social channels, the series explores how ETSU and BCBST came together to launch the BlueSky Tennessee Institute, a program offering students a fast-tracked, ABET-accredited computing degree in just 27 months — tuition-free — along with mentorship, internships, and guaranteed job offers.   

“This partnership exemplifies the innovative spirit of ETSU.”
–Dr. Tony Pittarese, Dean of the College of Business and Technology 

It is more than a scholarship. It is a strategic blueprint for education that leads directly to employment.   

“This partnership exemplifies the innovative spirit of ETSU,” said Dr. Tony Pittarese, Dean of the College of Business and Technology. “Our students don’t just learn — they work alongside IT professionals and graduate ready to thrive.”   

All 27 students from the program’s first cohort were hired by BCBST following graduation.  

Provost Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle called the collaboration “a powerful example of how universities and industry can come together to meet real-world needs.”   

“As ‘The BlueSky Bet’ makes clear, this program is a high-stakes wager on what higher education can be,” said Pittarese. “ETSU is all in.”

By O.J. Early