This article is part of a sponsored series by Risk Insurance Education Alliance.
The future of insurance is sitting in today’s classrooms.
We hold this truth to be self-evident: when young people gain insurance knowledge, real exposure to professional pathways, and meaningful engagement with industry professionals, the results are extraordinary.
“For well over a decade, Bureau of Labor Statistics data has shown the need to replace roughly 400,000 insurance jobs, a number that remains significant as retirements accelerate. While automation and AI will change the nature of work, they also highlight the evolving, technology-driven careers available in our industry. This is our opportunity to show students that insurance is not just about policies, it’s about analytics, problem-solving, and building resilience for communities.” – Noelle Codispoti | Head of The Academy and Emerging Talent Programs
Foundational insurance education is already proving transformational for high school and university students, opening doors to professional careers with strong earning potential while cultivating a more informed generation of future insurance consumers. This work is at the heart of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance’s Research Academy through the CISR High School Program and University Associate Program, made possible by a dedicated network of Emerging Talent Partners.
The Alliance’s Emerging Talent Program bridges the gap between education and employment, giving insurance professionals a direct way to strengthen the local talent pipeline and make a tangible impact in their own communities by connecting with schools.
Katy Knapp: A Testament to the Power of Early Exposure
Katy Knapp, CISR, is already making waves in the industry just one year out of high school. On a recent episode of Alliance insights, she shared how early exposure through the CISR High School Program, consistent engagement from local insurance professionals, and a formative high school internship helped her discover a career where she is thriving.
Local Industry Engagement: A Vital Link Between Classroom and Career
The CISR High School Program gives students the chance to gain insurance education, explore career pathways, earn early professional designations, and pursue direct-to-workforce or post-secondary academic opportunities. Flexible and adaptable to meet state or school-specific needs, the curriculum can be implemented in any classroom or even be completed independently. To deepen exposure, the Alliance launched Virtual Career Connections, engaging 20 speakers from 17 companies across the industry showcasing the many opportunities and pathways available. Planning for the 2026 series is underway.
The curriculum and credentials lay the groundwork. But what truly changes lives is local industry engagement.
Jack Elliott: Building Futures through Insurance
In another episode of Alliance Insights, Jack Elliott, Regional VP at Alera Group and Research Academy Board Chair, reflected on how a high school internship changed the course of his life. Today, he champions emerging talent and urges his peers to show up for students.
Katy’s success story reflects what happens when real professionals invest real time:
- Visiting classrooms
- Sharing their career journeys stories
- Offering job shadows, mentorship, and internships
These touchpoints aren’t small gestures – they are life-shaping interventions.
The Call to Action: The Industry’s Next Leaders Are Waiting
Every classroom visited, every internship offered, and every dollar contributed helps shape the next Katy, the next Jack, the next generation of insurance leaders. The need for exceptional talent is not a future problem – it is a present opportunity, and one where we can all play a part. By supporting Emerging Talent Programs, the industry ignites potential, strengthens communities, and builds a workforce equipped for an evolving industry.
When we invest early, we don’t just fill jobs. We transform lives.
Explore the CISR High School Program: https://www.riskeducation.org/cisr-for-high-school/
Become an Emerging Talent Partner: https://www.riskeducation.org/emerging-talent-partners-program/
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