As the 2025-26 academic year commences, 13 new students have joined the ranks of BJC Scholars, embarking on their collegiate journeys with financial support from BJC HealthCare and The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis. This year’s cohort, representing a range of disciplines from music and mechanical engineering to nursing, information technology, and business administration, marks the ninth iteration of the BJC Scholars program.
The BJC Scholars program, founded in recognition of the strong link between higher educational attainment and improved health outcomes, awards a renewable scholarship of ,000 annually. This initiative is aimed at empowering local high school seniors to pursue post-secondary education, thereby promoting not only personal advancement but also community development.
One of this year’s scholars, William Cosby, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity. “Receiving this scholarship means the world to me and will have an incredible impact on my future,” he stated. Cosby, whose experience at St. Louis Children’s Hospital profoundly shaped his life, noted, “The care I received left a lasting impression that continues to inspire me every day.” His story exemplifies the transformative potential of the scholarship, as it is not merely financial aid but a symbol of hope and resilience.
The celebration of the new scholars took place during a community event organized over the summer, which brought together students, their families, and key stakeholders. The half-day conference included an award ceremony, a luncheon, and various sessions aimed at informing attendees about opportunities available through scholarship partners. Steven Player, PharmD and Vice President of Belonging and Inclusion at BJC, articulated the significance of the awards, stating that they represent “an investment in dreams” that can dismantle barriers and drive generational progress.
The Scholarship Foundation’s Vice President of Advancement, John Milonas, and Dominesha Newton, Lead Student Advisor, formally introduced the new BJC Scholars at this gathering. Tameka Herrion, Senior Director of Programs at The Scholarship Foundation, highlighted the challenges faced by today’s students in light of the evolving landscape of higher education. Despite these obstacles, she noted, “What has not changed is their determination and motivation.” The BJC Scholars program aims to strengthen these traits, fostering a belief in the students’ potential and commitment to their futures.
Joan Magruder, BJC East Region Group President and board member of The Scholarship Foundation, reflected on the importance of alleviating financial burdens for these promising students. “It is gratifying and humbling to play a part in removing a financial barrier,” she remarked. The scholarships recognize the students’ academic and personal accomplishments, equipping them with the resources needed to pursue their educational aspirations.
The BJC Scholars Fund provides need-based awards of up to ,000 per academic year for high school seniors planning to attend public colleges or universities in Missouri or Illinois, or institutions with tuition reciprocity. Renewable each year, the scholarship can cover tuition, fees, housing, transportation, and additional costs, enhancing its accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
Since its inception, the fund has benefited a total of 122 students, with the Scholarship Foundation administering the program and offering ongoing support such as financial aid counseling, workshops, and access to internship opportunities.
The 2025-26 BJC Scholars, each recognized for their exemplary achievements, include:
– Dieudonne Bashongoma from St. Louis, attending the University of Central Missouri
– William Cosby from East St. Louis, attending Xavier University of Louisiana
– Lily Dowell from Farmington, Missouri, attending Truman State University
– Estrella Gonzalez from St. Louis, attending the University of Missouri–St. Louis
– Abuud Haji from St. Louis, attending Southeast Missouri State University
– Jasmine Heard from Swansea, Illinois, attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
– Blake Lam from St. Louis, attending Missouri University of Science and Technology
– Sanai McCulley from St. Louis, attending Southern University and A&M College
– Slade Nagel from St. Charles, Missouri, attending Missouri University of Science and Technology
– Ridwan Osman from St. Louis, attending the University of Missouri–St. Louis
– Alaina Pulliam from Farmington, Missouri, attending Missouri State University
– Kourtney Stewart from St. Louis, attending Southeast Missouri State University
– Kalliyah Williams from Hazelwood, Missouri, attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
As these scholars embark on their academic paths, the BJC Scholars program underscores the vital role of community partnerships in fostering educational attainment and advancing the health and well-being of future generations.
