InVEST Awards 54 Academic Student Scholarships

InVEST, creator of a career education program for the insurance industry, has awarded $47,000 in scholarships to 54 students pursuing insurance-related degrees. InVEST says the program is a key incentive in attracting new talent to the insurance industry.

InVEST says it contributes to the education and development of future insurance professionals through academic programs and scholarships. In high schools, the program offers students a business curriculum that teaches them about the dynamics of insurance agencies and companies. At the college level, the program develops students’ risk-management and financial-analysis skills. Along with direct contributions, scholarships are funded through proceeds generated by the InVEST Silent and Live auctions, held in conjunction with the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA or the Big “I”) Legislative Conference and Convention.

This year, the Big “I” offered two new scholarships: The Bob Betters Memorial Scholarship and Classroom to Career.

The Bob Betters Scholarship awards $2,000. Bob Betters with Watson Insurance Agency in Gastonia, N.C., passed away in February, after battling brain cancer. Betters was appointed to the InVEST board of directors in 2009 and served as the InVEST state champion for North Carolina. The InVEST board has agreed to award the top scholarships for the next five years to honor Betters’ commitment to the InVEST program.

The Classroom to Career scholarship is designed for students who would like to enter the insurance industry immediately after graduating from InVEST. These students are eligible for $500 reimbursement for licensing or designation expenses.