Applied Systems® announced its ongoing support of InvestSM, the insurance industry's premier classroom-to-career education program, with a $40,000 donation that will go directly to the organization's first learning management system. Taylor Rhodes, chief executive officer of Applied, announced the donation during a keynote presentation at the recent Applied Net 2023 at the ARIA Las Vegas, the world's largest gathering of independent insurance agents, brokers, insurers, and MGAs. The contribution to Invest, a program administered by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I"), coincides with Applied's 40th anniversary and reflects the company's continued commitment to investing in the future of the industry.
“Applied's gift to the Invest program will enable our dedicated team to more effectively equip aspiring young insurance professionals with the insurance education and financial literacy they need to be successful," said Charles Symington, Big “I" president & CEO. “We are grateful to companies, agents, and volunteers like Applied that ensure the ongoing value of this critical program."
“Thank you, Applied, for being committed to our mission of educating individuals on insurance and the various careers across our industry, so that we can build an even greater talent pipeline to serve as our future workforce," said Whitnee Dillard, Invest executive director.
Invest develops future insurance professionals through academic programs, online education 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. Invest is solely funded by contributions from insurance agencies, insurers, vendors, organizations and individuals. A longtime Invest advocate, Applied Systems also donates software for use in insurance education courses and has supported Invest with awareness-building media campaigns.
“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we reflect on Applied's firsts that have pushed our business and our great industry forward, while looking ahead to the firsts that will foster a vibrant distribution channel and the next generation of insurance professionals," said Rhodes. “We are excited to further our collaboration with Invest and the Big 'I' and support this important mission."