Invest Awards 4 Academic Scholarships
InvestSM, the insurance industry’s premier insurance education program administered by the Big “I,” has awarded a total of $25,000 through the Invest Higher Education Scholarship program to four students pursuing insurance-related degrees.
A 501(c)(3) organization, Invest works in high school and college classrooms across the U.S. to educate, train and attract the next generation of insurance professionals.
“We are proud to celebrate this year’s Invest Higher Education Scholarship recipients,” says Whitnee Dillard, executive director of Invest. “Each student has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to their future. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and further engaging them in various opportunities across the insurance industry throughout their college journey.”
Invest develops future insurance professionals through academic programs, online education, mentoring and scholarships. Through Invest, high school and college students learn about exciting and well-paying career opportunities in an industry that is rapidly evolving through technology.
In high schools, the program offers students a business curriculum focusing on insurance, including the dynamics of insurance agencies and companies. At the college level, the program develops students’ risk management and financial analysis skills.
“The mission of Invest is so important in perpetuating the independent agency channel by pointing students toward the many rewarding career opportunities in the industry,” said Charles Symington, Big “I” president & CEO. “These scholarships are just one way the program introduces young people to the independent agency system while also mentoring them with the connections that can launch their success. The Big ‘I’ is grateful for the donations that make these scholarships possible.”
The 2025 scholarship winners are:
- Alisha Ansari, Windermere High School, Florida
- Scott Baylor, Dryden High School, New York
- Matthias Overely, Wilson Talent Center, Michigan
- Rhania Suarez, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida
Scholarship hopefuls submitted essays describing the influence of Invest on their career plans. Invest board members judge selected recipients based on the quality of their essays, looking for evidence of leadership throughout the application process and passion for a future in the insurance industry. Other factors used in judging include extracurricular activities, grade point average and interviews conducted by the student with industry personnel in their community. The 2025 scholarship winners will be joining past winners in a cohort where they’ll be able to connect with Invest board members twice a year for mentorship for the rest of their college career. Scholarships are funded through corporate and direct contributions.