Innovation and retirement waves continue to reshape the insurance workforce, impacting both its size and the skills required to succeed. At the same time, the industry has long recognized the need for a strong, diverse emerging talent pipeline. To meet that challenge, we must reach students early, creatively, and effectively.
That belief has long guided the work of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance and is the inspiration behind the new CISR High School Virtual Academy, launching in June 2026. This is an exciting extension of The Alliance’s longstanding efforts to help students gain industry knowledge and discover opportunities in insurance.
The Virtual Academy is a no-cost, six-week virtual experience open to rising high school juniors and seniors as well as recent graduates. It allows motivated students to explore careers in insurance and risk management and make real progress toward the nationally recognized CISR designation through flexible, self-paced coursework and live, mentor-led sessions twice per week.
- Details and application: CISR High School Virtual Academy
With the CISR High School and University Associate Programs, The Alliance connects classroom learning to real-world careers throughout the academic year. The Virtual Academy creates a new, accessible entry point, extending learning beyond the traditional school year and reaching students who may attend a school without an existing program, are seeking a flexible summer experience, are part of a homeschool or independent learning environment, or are interested in exploring professional pathways.
The Virtual Academy is a real-time evolution of the industry’s approach to emerging talent and represents an important step forward in expanding education access and career awareness. The program is made possible by the Alliance’s Emerging Talent Partners and support from a Texas Mutual Workforce Development grant.
How can industry professionals, educators, and advocates get involved?
- Share the opportunity and encourage eligible students to apply! Applications are open through mid-April.
- Support the Emerging Talent Partners Program, which makes initiatives like the Virtual Academy possible.
Building the future workforce isn’t a distant goal – it’s happening right now! And with the CISR High School Virtual Academy, the industry has a powerful new way to ensure more students can see themselves in it.
Howden said Michael Parrish has been appointed CEO, Americas in a move the broker said would align better for clients.
“Howden Americas, under Mike’s leadership, will bring together the exciting new retail broking operations in the US with our fast-growing business in Latin America,” said David Howden, CEO of Howden.
In another move, Sonia Caamano will lead Latin America and Caribbean as CEO, Howden said. She will report to Parrish, and will be supported by Jose Ignacio Lathrop, who will be taking the role of executive chairman, Latin America. Caamano was previously the CEO of International Growth Markets at Howden.
