IASA Expands Scholarship Program

The Insurance Accounting & Systems Association Inc. (IASA) is accepting applications for the Insurance Industry Scholarship Program, which has been expanded for 2012 to include a new scholarship, and a total of $10,000 in awards.

The Walt Mason Scholarship debuts as part of IASA's Insurance Industry Scholarship Program at the $2,500 level. Named after a long-time volunteer who at one time served as secretary, treasurer and board member for the association, this new scholarship will be presented to an individual who has not only excelled in coursework, but has also displayed the same commitment to active volunteerism.

As in previous years, the 2012 scholarships will include two $2,000 scholarships and a number of smaller scholarships based on the volume of applications and demonstration of overall need.

“With the establishment of the Walt Mason Scholarship, the IASA Insurance Industry Scholarship Program not only reinforces the association's core commitment to education for insurance professionals, it speaks to how valuable we believe volunteerism is and can be in an individual's life,” says Joe Pomilia, IASA executive director. “IASA volunteers are people trying to make a difference in the industry in which they work. They believe that through ongoing education and collaboration we can make a positive difference in the future.”

IASA is a non-profit, education association that strives to enhance the knowledge of insurance industry professionals, and participants from similar organizations closely allied with the insurance industry by facilitating the exchange of ideas and information.

To be eligible for this year's IASA scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,500, applicants must be:

• A candidate for a bachelor's degree or higher at an institute with an insurance program or pursuing an insurance career
• Currently attending a college or university and will be completing or have completed at least the first of a four-year college program (minimum of 24 credits completed by the time the scholarship is to be awarded)
• Working toward a degree in: Information Technology, Accounting, Actuarial Science or Risk Managementall within an insurance program or in pursuit of a career in insurance.
• Have at least a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale
• Not receiving full reimbursement for tuition from an employer or from any other outside source

The selection process will also factor in financial need. Applications must be received or postmarked on or before March 1, 2012. Applications that meet all of the submission requirements will be reviewed by the IASA Scholarship Selection Committee. Applicants will be notified of the committee's decision by mail on or before June 1, 2012.

For more information about the 2012 IASA Scholarships, click here.