NU Online News Service, June 17, 12:30 p.m. EDT

InVEST, an Independent Insurance Agents & BrokersAssociation (IIABA) program designed to attract new talent to theinsurance industry, has awarded $56,500 in scholarships to 58college-bound students pursuing insurance-related degrees.

The 58 scholarship winners represent 19 schools from six statesincluding California, Connecticut, Florida, New Hampshire, New Yorkand Virginia.

"Each year, InVEST develops future industry professionals byeducating high school and community college students aboutinsurance, risk management and financial services," said PatrickMoore, chair of the national InVEST board of directors.

The scholarships are funded through proceeds generated by theInVEST Silent and Live auctions that are held in conjunction withthe IIABA Legislative Conference and Convention.

The Young Agents Committee (YAC), IIABA's young professionals'organization, also sponsored a fundraiser titled "YAC Gives Back: ABenefit for InVEST Scholarships" to help raise money.

Collectively, the auction, YAC and direct contributions raisedmore than $50,000. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,500.

146 students applied for the scholarship.