InvestSM Awards 5 Academic Scholarships

Financial and insurance literacy program is key to attracting young talent to the insurance industry. InvestSM, the insurance industry’s premier insurance education program, has awarded $30,000 in scholarships to five students pursuing insurance- related degrees. A nonprofit organization, Invest works in high school and college classrooms across the U.S. to educate, train and attract the next generation of insurance professionals.
“Invest is proud to be an ongoing catalyst in teaching young people about insurance and careers within our great industry,” says Whitnee Dillard, executive director of Invest and Big “I” diversity. “Congratulations to the students who earned scholarships this year, and thank you to our educators, volunteers, donors and the Invest Board of Directors for their ongoing support in providing this opportunity.”
Invest develops future insurance professionals through academic programs, online education, mentoring and scholarships. In high schools, the program offers students a business curriculum focusing on insurance, as well as the dynamics of insurance agencies and companies. At the college level, the program develops students’ risk management and financial analysis skills. Throughout their Invest education, students learn about exciting and well-paying career opportunities in an industry that is rapidly evolving through technology.
“We congratulate these Invest scholarship winners on their great achievement,” says Charles Symington, Big “I” executive vice president. “The independent agency channel consistently lists finding new staff as a pain point, and Invest continues to spread the word about the insurance industry’s great opportunities for the next generation of talent.”
Scholarship hopefuls submitted essays describing the influence of Invest on their career plans. Invest board member judges selected recipients based on the quality of their essays, looking for evidence of leadership throughout the application and passion for a future in the insurance industry. Other factors used in the judging process include a letter of recommendation, the applicant’s grade point average, and in-depths interviews conducted by the student with industry personnel in their community. 2023 scholarship winners will connect with Invest board members twice a year for mentorship for the length of their college career. Scholarships are funded through corporate and direct contributions.
The 2023 scholarship winners are from Florida and Michigan.
· Samantha Snider, Wilson Talent Center, Michigan · Dominic Casali, Wilson Talent Center, Michigan · Dillon Moquin, Marjory Stoneman Douglas,
Florida
· Li Zhiting, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Florida
· Blake Bartos, William Boone High School, Florida

ABOUT INVEST
As a 501(c)(3) educational trust, Invest benefits from the support of numerous insurance organizations, hundreds of agencies, brokers, and volunteers. The program provides the insurance industry with motivated, talented, and intelligent professionals through a support structure of state associations, board members, national staff, teachers, and the many industry professionals who work in the field as classroom liaisons. For more information, visit the Invest website.