Collaboration recognized for excellence by Association for Career and Technical Education Region 1
A collaborative teaching program between The University of Olivet, Farm Bureau and the Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency (ERESA) was named the 2024 Outstanding Business Education Partnership of the Year at the recent Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Region 1 Conference held in New York City. ACTE recognizes the exceptional achievements of educators, administrators and businesses in career and technical education. The University of Olivet, Farm Bureau and ERESA partnership stood out amongst competitors from 14 other states and will now advance to compete at the National ACTE Awards.
For over a decade, The University of Olivet, Farm Bureau and ERESA have partnered to introduce high school students to and prepare them for the insurance and risk management (IRM) field as a course of study in college and as a career. High school students enrolled in “Insurance Academy” can earn up to nine free credits toward a degree in IRM from The University. Students who go on to major in IRM at Olivet can graduate in just three and a half years.
High schoolers investigate the process of risk management and the insurance field, and the program also prepares students to take three Associate in General Insurance (AINS) national certification exams administered by the Insurance Institute of America.
Olivet’s IRM program is ranked number three in the nation by the prestigious Best Review and students learn from industry expert Gregory Brown, DBA, CIC.
“I work with Farm Bureau’s HR manager, Dave Vering, to hone the relationship to benefit the students. Activities include visits from the vice presidents or directors from each division and streamlined job shadows from each department. Farm Bureau is also financially supporting our efforts for student certification with the AINS designation,” Brown said. “It has been a pleasure to work with Dave to continuously find new ways to make this a great experience for the students.”
Classes are taught at the Farm Bureau national headquarters in Lansing, giving students a first-hand look at insurance as a career path. Upon completion of the program, opportunities are available to students at insurance companies and insurance agencies across the state.