Making college dreams a reality for local teens

As the 2025–26 school year began, 13 new BJC Scholars headed off to college to pursue their dreams—with support from BJC HealthCare and The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis.

From studying music, mechanical engineering, and nursing to information technology, business administration, and more—this year's class marks the ninth cohort of BJC Scholars to embark on their college journey.

Thanks to a fund created by BJC in recognition of the correlation between higher education, better health, and longer lives, the $12,000 annually renewable scholarship is designed to support local high school seniors in pursuit of higher education.

For one student, earning the scholarship marks a full-circle moment. “Receiving this scholarship means the world to me and will have an incredible impact on my future,” says BJC Scholar William Cosby. “I am forever grateful to BJC, especially St. Louis Children’s Hospital, for saving my life. The care I received left a lasting impression that continues to inspire me every day.”

See more about William’s story.

The scholarships are “an investment in dreams”

BJC and The Scholarship Foundation celebrated this year’s Scholars during a community-wide event over the summer for all newly awarded Foundation students, families, and scholarship funders. The half-day conference featured an award ceremony and luncheon, along with breakout sessions for Scholars, parents, and guests. In addition, key scholarship partners, including BJC, provided information to attendees about opportunities at their organizations.

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate these remarkable students whose hard work, resilience, and determination have earned them life-altering scholarships,” says BJC Belonging and Inclusion vice president Steven Player, PharmD. “To me, these awards represent far more than financial support—they are an investment in dreams, an opportunity to break barriers, and a catalyst for generational impact.

“I believe in the Scholars’ ability to excel not only in the classroom but also as leaders who will make their families proud, inspire their peers, and contribute to stronger, healthier communities for years to come.”

The Scholarship Foundation’s John Milonas, vice president of Advancement, and Dominesha Newton, lead student advisor, introduced the new BJC Scholars during the ceremony.

Tameka Herrion, senior director of program for The Scholarship Foundation, notes the significance of the program in a year characterized by upheaval in higher education. “Today’s college-bound students have already navigated significant changes in their young lives, and this year brings unique challenges to higher education. What has not changed is their determination and motivation,” Tameka says. “The BJC Scholars Program helps propel them forward, reflecting a deep belief in and commitment to their value and their futures. We at The Scholarship Foundation are honored and proud to partner with BJC HealthCare in this life-changing program.”

“It is gratifying and humbling to play a part in removing a financial barrier for these bright young students,” says Joan Magruder, BJC East Region group president and a member of The Scholarship Foundation board of directors. “They have accomplished so much already—both academically and personally, and through their grit and fortitude when faced with challenges in their own lives.

“The extraordinary resolve they have shown will serve them well as they chase their academic dreams. All of us at BJC and The Scholarship Foundation applaud their achievements and are excited for what the future holds for each of them.”

More about the BJC Scholars Fund

The BJC Scholars Fund offers need-based awards of up to $12,000 per academic year to high school seniors planning to pursue a two- or four-year degree at a public Missouri or Illinois state college or university or a school with tuition reciprocity.

The annually renewable scholarship can be applied toward tuition, fees, room and board, transportation, and incidental costs. In its ninth year, the fund has already supported 122 students at institutions of higher learning.

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis administers all aspects of the program and supports the awardees and their families in taking full advantage of other state, federal, and institutional funds, and additional available resources, to ensure that the BJC scholarship award completes the funding required for full year attendance. 

The Foundation also provides ongoing support that includes advising, workshops, financial aid counseling, therapy from licensed mental health providers, participation in paid internship programs, and additional funding opportunities if relevant.

Meet the 2025 BJC Scholars

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 BJC Scholars:

Dieudonne Bashongoma
St. Louis
University of Central Missouri

William Cosby
East St. Louis
Xavier University of Louisiana

Lily Dowell
Farmington, Missouri
Truman State University

Estrella Gonzalez
St. Louis
University of Missouri–St. Louis

Abuud Haji
St. Louis
Southeast Missouri State University

Jasmine Heard
Swansea, Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Blake Lam
St. Louis
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Sanai McCulley
St. Louis
Southern University and A&M College

Slade Nagel
St. Charles, Missouri
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Ridwan Osman
St. Louis
University of Missouri–St. Louis

Alaina Pulliam
Farmington, Missouri
Missouri State University

Kourtney Stewart
St. Louis
Southeast Missouri State University

Kalliyah Williams
Hazelwood, Missouri
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville