The Derek Hughes Scholarship Program, established in 1998 and sponsored by the WSIA Education Foundation, supports undergraduate students interested in insurance and business-related fields. The scholarship aims to encourage students to explore careers in the surplus lines insurance industry while honoring Derek Hughes’ contributions to the field. Up to 30 scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded, split between Fall and Spring.
Scholarship Details
- Award amount: $5,000 ($2,500 for Fall and $2,500 for Spring)
- Up to 30 scholarships awarded annually
- $250 for completing the Surplus Lines Fundamentals online course
- Support to attend a WSIA Education Foundation symposium (free registration, travel stipend, and hotel costs included)
- Resume shared with WSIA members
- Access to WSIA webinars
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25 or major GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- College sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program (minimum of 12 credit hours)
- Must not be graduating before Fall 2025 (graduate students are not eligible)
- Must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- Pursuing a major, minor, or concentration in Risk Management and/or Insurance (RMI)
- Completed RMI courses
- Work experience in the insurance industry
- Plan to work in the excess and surplus lines industry after graduation
- Authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring future visa sponsorship
- Previous recipients may reapply annually
- Preference given to students pursuing an RMI degree
Application Process
- Access the online application via the WSIA Education Foundation website
- Prepare the following materials for submission:
- A resume (maximum two pages)
- Unofficial transcripts showing all undergraduate coursework and grades
- An essay of up to 500 words addressing one of the following prompts:
- How do you plan to make an impact in your organization once you enter the surplus lines industry?
- What characteristics make you a good fit for the surplus lines industry and why? Include examples from work or classroom experiences.
- Submit the completed application and all supporting documents by the specified deadline
This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students interested in the surplus lines industry to receive financial support, professional development, and industry exposure. If you meet the criteria, apply today to take the next step in your insurance career journey.