Unigard Insurance Group is helping 12 talented college students get a head start toward brighter financial futures by making their college educations more affordable. The company presented renewable $1,000 scholarships to students in regional awards ceremonies this spring. (A complete listing of the winners and their biographical information follows. Photos are available for download at unigard.com.)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in today’s job market graduates with a bachelor’s degree will earn an average of 70 percent or more than those with a high school diploma. Over the course of a lifetime, a college grad will earn $1 million more than a high school grad.
“Rising education costs may make it harder for some students and their families to afford college,” said Peter Christen, president and CEO of Unigard. “Scholarships, grants, loans and other forms of financial aid all help decrease costs and make college more affordable.”
The College Board reports tuition, fees and room and board costs this year are averaging more than $11,000 at a four-year public university and more than $27,000 at a four-year private institution.
Unigard is awarding four scholarships to students living in states where the company writes business, four to dependents of staff employed at the company’s Premier Partner agencies, and four to dependents of Unigard’s 380 employees. Awards are renewable up to three years or until a degree is earned, whichever occurs first, and are based on satisfactory academic performances (2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale).
Scholarship recipients were judged and selected by Scholarship Management Services, an independent scholarship program administrator. Winners were selected based on the following criteria:
- Consideration of past academic performance and future potential
- Leadership and participation in school and community activities
- Work experience
- Career and educational aspirations and goals
- Unusual personal or family circumstances
- An appraisal from a non-family member
“Unigard is pleased to help support these students’ educations and careers. We hope this award will help them achieve success in their fields of study and future professions,” said Christen.
For more information please contact Anne M. Smith.