Twenty-one talented college students will pay a little less for their education this year, thanks to $1,000 scholarships from General Casualty Insurance Companies. The Company is presenting the scholarships to winners at regional awards ceremonies in May (Sun Prairie, Wis.) and June (Eden Prairie, Minn.).
Results of a recent study by the National Center of Education Statistics indicate that 45 percent of full-time students borrowed money to help pay for college expenses in 2000, up from 30 percent in 1990. At four-year public schools, the average loan was $5,300 in 2000, up from $3,300 in 1990. The report says more students are borrowing money because tuition costs and fees have increased faster than inflation and family income.
“More students are taking out loans to help pay for their college education. We hope the scholarship will help them owe a little less when they complete their education,” said Hollie Bowker, General Casualty’s corporate relations manager.
Seven scholarships were awarded to students in communities where the company has offices, seven to dependents of General Casualty’s 1,650 employees, and seven to dependents of staff employed at insurance agencies that have achieved Premier Partner status. 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). View a complete listing of the winners.
More than 200 students applied for the General Casualty 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
“General Casualty is pleased to help support the future education of these talented students. They should be very proud of their accomplishments,” said Bowker.
For more information please contact Anne M. Smith.