The InVEST insurance training program said it has awarded$60,000 in scholarships to 52 high school students planning toobtain insurance-related degrees in college.

The Alexandria, Va.-based educational program provides asupplemental curriculum to participating high schools withinsurance-related classes, offering job-shadowing opportunities andinternships.

“InVEST also gives employers immediate access to potentialemployees,” said Jennifer Robinson, InVEST program manager.

“Fifty percent of people in the industry are over 45 and will beretiring soon. InVEST helps students realize that insurance is notboring. It helps them recognize the opportunities for growth withinthe industry,” says Ms. Robinson.

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on an essay explainingthe influence InVEST had on their educational plans, grade pointaverage and extracurricular activities.

Scholarships are funded through direct contributions andproceeds generated by the InVEST Silent and Live auctions held inconjunction with the Independent Insurance Agents & Broker'sLegislative Conference & Convention.

Auction items were donated by insurance carriers, agents andbrokers, IIAB and its state affiliates, and other industryorganizations.

Founded by the Independent Insurance Agents, Los Angeles, theprogram boasts over 96,000 graduates.