New Insurance Professional Scholarships
Supporting new insurance professionals as they learn, grow, and build confidence early in their careers.
About the Scholarship
The New Insurance Professional Scholarship was created to help individuals who are new to the insurance industry invest in their education and professional growth.
Established in 2022, this program offers reimbursement for approved insurance education courses, making it easier for new professionals to take the next step in their learning. Whether someone is working toward earning an insurance designation or certification, the scholarship is designed to encourage growth and long-term success within the independent agency system.
Big “I” Nebraska is proud to support new insurance professionals and the agencies that mentor them along the way.
Who is this Scholarship for?
- Insurance professionals with less than 5 years of industry experience
- Employees of Big “I” Nebraska member agencies
- Individuals pursuing an insurance designation or certification program
- Examples include CISR, CIC, Elite Force Sales Academy, IA-MBA, and programs offered through ABEN, The Institutes, or the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance.
How the Scholarship Works
Each year, Big “I” Nebraska awards two New Insurance Professional Scholarships: one for an individual in their first year in the insurance industry and one for an individual with 2-5 years of experience.
The scholarship is offered as a reimbursement-based program, allowing flexibility for both agencies and new professionals.
- Apply for the scholarship during the open application period, January 1-31, 2026.
- Selected recipients enroll in and complete an approved insurance education or professional development course.
- After completing the course, submit proof of completion to Big “I” Nebraska.
- Once approved, scholarship funds are reimbursed to help offset education costs.
- First Year Scholarship: Up to $500
- Year 2-5 Scholarship: Up to $1,000
Interested in applying next year?
The New Insurance Professional Scholarship opens each January. If you or a member of your team is early in their insurance career, we encourage you to watch for the next application cycle in 2027.
Past Scholarship Recipients
February 2026:
- Year 2-5 Scholarship: Ana Aldercy Medina Chavez, Heritage Insurance
- Year 1 Scholarship: Alejandra Faudoa, Barney Insurance Group
February 2025:
- Year 2-5 Scholarship: Katie McCaslin, Barney Insurance Group
- Year 1 Scholarship: Emma Goosic, Adams Insurance Advisors
February 2024:
- Year 2-5 Scholarship: Jake Richardson, Cornerstone Insurance Group, York
- Year 1 Scholarship: Bo Roberts, Adams Insurance Advisors, Ogallala
February 2023:
- Year 1 Scholarship: Nick Van Winkle, Edgewater Insurance, Ogallala
- Year 2-5 Scholarship: Tammy Brodersen, Midland Insurance Agency, Bloomfield
August 2023:
- Year 2-5 Scholarship: Justin “Jake” Tollman, Beef State Agency, Crawford
- Year 1 Scholarship: Brisa Perez Chan, FNIC, Omaha
February 2022:
- Year 1 Scholarship: Kyle Bacus, Chastain Otis Insurance Agency, Omaha
- Year 2-5 Scholarship: Noah Walz, Watts Insurance Group, Lincoln
August 2022:
- Year 2-5 Scholarship: Kyle Bacus, Chastain Otis Insurance Agency, Omaha
- Year 1 Scholarship: Blake Sears, Zimmer Insurance Group, Lincoln
Investing in new insurance professionals helps strengthen agencies, communities, and the future of the independent agency system.