Invest announces insurance scholarships

Insurance education program Invest has announced that it has awarded $30,000 in scholarships to five students who are pursuing degrees related to the insurance industry.

Invest is a nonprofit organization that focuses on educating the next generation of insurance professionals, according to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (the Big “I”).

“Invest is proud to be an ongoing catalyst in teaching young people about insurance and careers within our great industry,” said Whitnee Dillard, executive director of Invest and the Big “I.” “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.”

The Invest program offers a business curriculum with a focus on insurance in high schools, providing insights into the dynamics of insurance agencies and companies. At the college level, Invest enhances students’ risk management and financial analysis skills.

“We congratulate these Invest scholarship winners on their great achievement,” said 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.”

The scholarship selection process involved students submitting essays that highlighted the impact of Invest on their career aspirations. Judges, who are members of the Invest board, evaluated the essays based on their quality, looking for evidence of leadership and a passion for pursuing a future in the insurance industry. Additional factors taken into account included a letter of recommendation, the applicant’s grade point average, and interviews conducted by the students with industry professionals in their communities. The 2023 scholarship winners will receive mentorship from Invest board members twice a year throughout their college careers. Scholarships are made possible through corporate and direct contributions the Big “I” said.

The recipients of the 2023 scholarships are:

• 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

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