Did you know? The OIA Foundation for the Advancement of Insurance Professionals offers a $2,500 scholarship designed to fuel the growth and success of independent agents across Ohio. Since 2018, the Foundation’s George W. Haenszel Scholarship has awarded over $115,000, supporting agents in every phase of their careers—from earning industry designations to navigating leadership transitions and expanding professional networks.
For some, like Dave Setter of Camargo Insurance, the scholarship has been a pivotal resource for achieving advanced industry designations. Earning designations like CIC, CRM, AFIS, and others strengthens your technical knowledge and broadens your understanding of complex industry concepts, making you a more insightful resource for clients. By reimbursing costs for these professional credentials, the Foundation Scholarship empowers agents to deepen their expertise, respond to client needs with greater confidence, and provide a higher level of service across a range of insurance needs.
The scholarship also provides crucial financial support for agents navigating the complexities of succession planning. Colleen Heister-Miles of Heister Insurance utilized the scholarship to help cover expenses tied to her agency’s transition to new leadership. For agents preparing for perpetuation, the Foundation offers funding for OIA agency valuations, perpetuation coaching, and other planning resources to support a smooth and strategic transition to the next generation.
The scholarship can also help agents with registration costs for industry events. With support from the Foundation Scholarship, Sandra Moody Gresham of Dehan Enterprises Insurance & Financial Services Agency and a team member attended the National African American Insurance Association’s 2024 Conference where they had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, attend insightful professional development sessions, and gain valuable insight into navigating current market conditions. Experiences like these not only build skills and confidence but also inspire agents to bring innovative approaches back to their agencies.
Supporting All Stages of Professional Development
The OIA Foundation Scholarship is designed to serve agents with diverse goals:
- Designation Programs: $50,710 to help agents expand their industry knowledge.
- Agency Valuations and Coaching: $39,700 for guidance on agency operations and perpetuation.
- Industry Events and Leadership: $12,950 for conference attendance, elevating skills through networking.
- Internships: $7,000 to support college students interning with independent agencies, helping cultivate future industry leaders.
Whether you’re working toward designations, preparing for agency transitions, or building professional networks, the Foundation is here to support you. As Sandra, Dave, and Colleen’s experiences show, the scholarship can be transformative, helping agents grow their skills and connections.
Foundation Board of Directors
The Foundation Board is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders in the Independent Agency system through the Foundation and the George W. Haenszel Scholarship.
FAQ:
Q: Who is the scholarship for?
A: The Foundation Scholarship is for OIA members seeking to set themselves up for long-term success in the industry through education, networking, leadership training, and other opportunities.
Q: If I don’t plan to be an agency owner, can I still apply for this scholarship?
A: Absolutely! The Foundation Board understands that not all independent agency professionals are interested in owning an agency. The scholarship is designed to support YOUR development in the insurance industry and help you get where YOU want to go, through professional designations, industry events, and educational opportunities.
Q: When will I receive the funds?
A: The Foundation Scholarship works on a reimbursement basis. If you are awarded funds, you’ll receive a reimbursement form to submit with your payment confirmation (and confirmation of attendance, if applicable). The scholarship is for future expenses only.
Q: How long does it take to apply?
A: The application itself is pretty quick – we ask for some information about your experience and your agency. The Foundation Board also asks for 2 letters: one from you explaining how you will use the funds and what improvements you’d like to see in your agency in the next 5 years; and one from your Agency Principal (if applicable) nominating you for the scholarship. Neither letter needs to be long!
Q: When will I find out if I have been awarded a scholarship?
A: Right after the next scheduled Foundation Board meeting, which is usually about 2 weeks after the application cutoff date. Email or call Katherine White with any questions.
Q: Can I apply more than once, even if I’m awarded a scholarship?
A: Yes! We ask that you request one scholarship award at a time, but there is no limit to the number of times you can apply for the Foundation Scholarship. Several scholarship winners have reapplied for an additional designation, OIA valuation services, etc. in subsequent years.
Know a Colleague Who Might Benefit?
If you know a colleague who could benefit from this scholarship –
- Please share this article with them.
- Encourage them to visit the Foundation webpage.
- Tell them to contact Katherine White at katherine@ohioinsuranceagents.com or call 614.552.3051.
Ready to Apply?
Click here to fill out our online Foundation Scholarship Application!
About the Author
Katherine White is the Executive Administrative Coordinator at OIA. She works alongside OIA Volunteer Leaders to ensure seamless execution and alignment with the strategic vision of the organization. Katherine manages board meetings, retreats, and the organization’s annual awards ceremony. She also administers the Foundation Scholarship, supporting educational opportunities for the independent insurance agency system.
With a diverse background in real estate as a licensed realtor, compliance manager, and trainer, Katherine brings a detail-oriented and compliance-driven approach to her work. She is passionate about volunteering, particularly with animal-related causes, and is dedicated to making a positive impact.
