IASA Now Accepting Applications for 2012 IASA Insurance Industry Scholarship Program

DURHAM, NC--(Marketwire - Jan 17, 2012) - IASA is pleased to announce the association is now 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 scholarships being awarded.

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 displayed the same commitment to active volunteerism. As in past years, 2012 scholarships awarded will include two $2,000 scholarships and a number of smaller scholarship dollars being awarded 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," said 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."

In order 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 Management -- all 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; and

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, please visit the IASA website (www.iasa.org), and click on the menu option for "Scholarship Program."

About IASA
The Insurance Accounting & Systems Association, Inc. (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. IASA is one of the insurance industry's largest, and most well represented trade associations. IASA membership includes insurance companies of all types (Property & Casualty, Life, Health, Fraternal, HMO and others) as members, as well as companies serving the insurance industry, regulators and also organizations more broadly representative of the financial services industry, including banks and investment brokerage firms. Learn more about the IASA by visiting our website at www.iasa.org or by calling 919.489.0991.