By Stephanie Jo Oakes, AINS, ASLI, CLP, CIIP
The NAIW Legacy Foundation provides scholarships and grants to encourage insurance professionals’ career growth and advancement efforts. Many assume this only includes supporting IAIP educational seminars, workshops and course fees. But did you know the foundation also provides scholarships for members’ registration fees to attend Regional Conferences and International Convention?
If expense is a deterrent to attend regional or international events, apply for a scholarship! Individuals and businesses are watching budgets closely, so finding resources to help offset expenses is very important. The foundation is here to help. Be sure to tell your employer if you are awarded a scholarship for convention registration. If they realize you have taken the initiative to apply for a scholarship, they may support your travel expenses. It also demonstrates the overall value of your IAIP membership.
Why should you attend regional or international events? There is no better way to strengthen your insurance career than meeting face-to-face with colleagues and peers. The knowledge you gain through the educational offerings is a boost to your resume; and the contacts you make through networking events are priceless. Knowing there is always someone to ask about industry topics or trends, to collaborate with on new ideas, or to support you through a difficult situation can reduce your stress and build your confidence.
I encourage you to apply for a NAIW Legacy Foundation Scholarship so that you can participate in your 2025 Regional Conference or the 2025 International Convention being held in Oklahoma City, OK on June 19-22, 2025. The next scholarship deadline is January 15, 2025, so you have plenty of time to plan (but don’t wait until the last minute!).
Application Criteria: The scholarship covers registration fees only; travel and lodging expenses are not eligible. Applicants who receive funding for International Convention Registration must wait three years before applying again. Applicants may submit only one application during each submission period. There is no limitation to the number of times the same applicant can receive a scholarship.
Stephanie Jo Oakes, AINS, ASLI, CLP, CIIP is currently a Senior Business Analyst for Ogon Consulting. Stephanie began supporting carriers and MGAs in the P&C insurance industry in 2015. She has worked with teams across many functions including underwriting, claims, billing, accounting, producer management, actuarial, and data analytics for both personal and commercial products. She’s been a member of IAIP since 2017 and is the President of Vermont Association of Insurance Professionals (VTAIP). She also serves on the NAIW Legacy Foundation Task Force, is an IAIP certified trainer, and was the 2023 winner of the Confidence While Communicating International Speak-Off.