NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
New scholarship and internship program
The NAILBA Charitable Foundation ( NCF ) recently announced the launch of the Future in Financial Services ( FFS ) Scholarship and Internship Program , created to help secure the future of the independent life insurance brokerage business by attracting and developing tomorrow ’ s workforce .
As numerous studies show that internships are the single most successful tool in the recruitment of college students — particularly in the insurance brokerage industry — the mission of the FFS program is to bring fresh , diverse talent into the brokerage sector by way of internships and scholarships with NAILBA member agencies .
“ Having had to work full time to pay for my college , I ’ m very passionate about this initiative ,” said NCF President , Jim Sorebo . “ It is critical that we solve the problem of where the next generation of people will come from to work in our industry . By offering them financial assistance to join our great business , it is a huge win for all and where NCF can really make a difference .”
The FFS program will launch with a focus on awarding scholarships to high-performing interns at NAILBA member agencies . Students who demonstrate excellence in their internship and the ability and the desire to succeed at a NAILBA member agency can be nominated by the agency for one of several FFS scholarships for the upcoming academic year .
In awarding the scholarships , the FFS program selection committee will look for candidates who have the potential to excel as leaders and contributors in the independent life insurance brokerage business sector . Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and NCF will rely on contributions from individuals , corporations , and foundations to support the mission of the FFS program .
It is critical we solve the problem of where the next generation of people will come from to work in our industry .”
Jim Sorebo , NAILBA Charitable Foundation president
During the second phase of the FFS program , NCF plans to expand the scope to include the active recruitment and placement of interns at member agencies — and the funding of those internships via grants . There will be a strong emphasis on diversity , equity , and inclusion , along with recruiting interns from communities typically underrepresented in the brokerage industry . Criteria for eligibility to participate will be established in partnership with BGAs , carriers , and industry partners .
“ For businesses that share our passion for FFS , we ’ re looking for five industry sponsors willing to commit to partnering with NCF for the foreseeable future ,” Sorebo said . “ With your help , we can make a huge difference by bringing new blood into financial services while benefiting NAILBA member agencies , carriers , and others that support this great industry .”
For more information on the Future in Financial Services ( FFS ) Program , please contact NAILBA Charitable Foundation Executive Director , Kelly Maheu at kmaheu @ nailba . org .
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