HispanicBusiness

The MassMutual Scholars program is now a national scholarship program for high-achieving African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic students interested in careers in the insurance and financial services industry, the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced in a news release.

This year, the program, which was previously only available in nine metropolitan areas in the United States, will offer 30 $5,000 college scholarships to high-achieving students across the country.

"Education is key to developing a successful career path," said Nick Fyntrilakis, assistant vice president of community responsibility at MassMutual. "By taking our MassMutual Scholars program to a national level, we are able to reach more students of diverse backgrounds and provide them with the financial support they need to achieve their dreams."

Now in its fourth year, the MassMutual Scholars program began as a pilot program in four metropolitan areas across the country and later expanded to nine. This year the scholarship is open to students of all majors, who are of African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic descent and attending college in the United States. However, applicants must meet certain academic criteria, such as maintaining a 3.0 or better GPA, express an interest in careers in the insurance and financial services industry, and demonstrate financial need.

"MassMutual is making great headway in making our company and agencies more representative of the communities we work in," said Chris Mendoza, Assistant Vice President of Multicultural Market Development for MassMutual. "As a national program, these scholarships will not only help college students obtain their degrees, but also help MassMutual continue to build a strong network of potential financial professionals and clients from diverse backgrounds, while reinforcing our commitment to serving diverse communities."

The application deadline is May 4, 2012, and winners will be notified in late summer.

To be eligible, applicants must:

-- Be of African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic descent;

-- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551 (not expired);

-- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;

-- Have plans to attend full-time a degree-seeking program at a U.S. accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam during the 2012-2013 academic year;

-- Be entering sophomore, junior, senior or fifth-year-senior at a four-year university or be a community college student;

-- Demonstrate leadership and extra-curricular activities; and

-- Apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

-- Students of all majors will be considered.

-- Preference will be given to students whose essays demonstrate their interest in pursuing a career in the insurance and financial services industry.

For more information on how to apply or to obtain an application, visit www.act.org/massmutual.