Scholarship overview
In a significant step toward empowering the next generation of leaders in the insurance and risk fields, RISE—the leading professional community for emerging insurance talent—has partnered with St. John’s University to launch an exclusive graduate scholarship initiative. Known as the RISE Scholarship, this new program offers up to $20,000 in tuition assistance to qualified early-career professionals seeking to advance their expertise through graduate education in Risk Management, Insurance, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), or Actuarial Science.
The scholarship is designed to open doors for professionals with under ten years of experience, who are committed to expanding their academic credentials while cultivating impactful industry relationships. Each eligible candidate is assured a minimum scholarship of $5,000, with top applicants receiving awards up to the full $20,000 value.
A Strategic Partnership Supporting Education and Mentorship
The RISE Scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it is a strategic investment in the future of the insurance and risk management industry. Through this initiative, RISE and St. John’s University aim to lower barriers to advanced education while enhancing professional development through structured mentorship.
Beyond tuition support, scholarship recipients gain exclusive entry into the RISE Mentorship Program, a signature feature of this partnership. This initiative pairs scholarship recipients with experienced mentors across the insurance and risk sectors. Through this relationship, students receive personalized career coaching, practical industry insights, and opportunities to network with seasoned professionals in their areas of interest.
This combination of financial support and mentorship creates a well-rounded, future-focused platform for career acceleration, designed to help early-career professionals thrive in increasingly complex risk environments.
Leadership Perspectives on the Collaboration
Leaders from both organizations have emphasized the long-term value and impact of this scholarship.
Dr. Maciek Nowak, Dean of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University, emphasized the university’s dedication to academic excellence and industry leadership:
“This collaboration with RISE amplifies our mission to develop industry-ready graduates. We’re ensuring that talented professionals have access not only to high-quality education but also to the mentorship that will guide them throughout their careers.”
Amy Cooper, Founder and CEO of RISE, echoed the sentiment, underscoring the initiative’s alignment with RISE’s broader goals:
“At RISE, we believe in fast-tracking professional growth through education and connection. Partnering with a prestigious institution like St. John’s allows us to support the next generation of insurance leaders in a more holistic way.”
Who Is Eligible for the RISE Scholarship?
The RISE Scholarship is open to current RISE members who have less than ten years of full-time professional experience in any field related to risk or insurance. Applicants must be either admitted to or actively enrolled in one of the eligible graduate programs at St. John’s University.
Eligible graduate programs include:
- M.S. in Risk Management and Risk Analytics
- M.S. in Risk Management and Insurance
- M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management
- M.S. in Actuarial Science
Applicants can be based in the U.S. or internationally, provided they meet the admission criteria for St. John’s and are members of the RISE community.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications for the RISE Scholarship are reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing flexibility for candidates as they plan their educational journey.
Key Deadlines:
- November 1, 2025 – Application deadline for Spring 2026 admission
- April 1, 2026 – Deadline for Fall 2026 enrollment consideration
Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the process early to ensure all application materials, including university admission confirmation and RISE membership verification, are submitted in time.
To apply, individuals must complete the online application form available on the official RISE website or contact the program coordinator directly for more information.
Contact:
Tori Snoddy, Director of Operations
📧 Email: tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com
Why Apply for the RISE Scholarship?
The RISE Scholarship isn’t just a financial award—it’s a gateway to long-term professional growth. Here’s what makes this program stand out:
Substantial Financial Support
Recipients can earn up to $20,000 toward their graduate degree, significantly reducing the cost burden of pursuing a master’s-level education.
Guaranteed Minimum Award
Every eligible applicant receives at least $5,000, ensuring all qualified professionals benefit from the program.
Exclusive Mentorship Opportunities
Through RISE’s industry-leading mentorship program, scholars are paired with seasoned insurance professionals who provide career guidance, insight into evolving trends, and support navigating career transitions.
Access to a Thriving Professional Community
Recipients become part of a vibrant network of emerging leaders, scholars, and executives across insurance, risk management, and actuarial science.
About St. John’s University and the Greenberg School
St. John’s University, founded in 1870 and operated by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), is a globally recognized private institution with campuses in Queens, Manhattan, Paris, Rome, and Limerick. The university’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence extends into its highly regarded business school programs.
The Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science (GSRM), part of the Peter J. Tobin College of Business, is located in Manhattan’s East Village and offers premier graduate and undergraduate programs in insurance and risk management. Originally established as the Insurance Society of New York in 1901, the school evolved through its transformation into The College of Insurance before joining St. John’s in 2001.
About RISE (Rising Insurance Star Executives)
RISE is a nationwide community designed to support the growth and development of emerging talent in the insurance industry. Through networking events, mentorship opportunities, and career development programs, RISE equips early-career professionals with the tools, relationships, and insights needed to thrive in complex and evolving market environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for the RISE Scholarship? | Current RISE members with fewer than 10 years of full-time professional experience, enrolled in a qualifying graduate program at St. John’s. |
| What programs qualify for the scholarship? | Graduate programs in: Risk Management and Risk Analytics, Risk Management and Insurance, Enterprise Risk Management, or Actuarial Science. |
| How much financial aid does the scholarship provide? | The scholarship offers up to $20,000 toward tuition. |
| What is the minimum award amount? | All eligible applicants are guaranteed a minimum of $5,000 toward tuition. |
| Is mentorship included with the scholarship? | Yes. Recipients participate in the RISE Mentorship Program, gaining access to guidance from experienced industry professionals. |
| When are the application deadlines? | November 1, 2025 (for Spring 2026 enrollment) and April 1, 2026 (for Fall 2026 enrollment). |
| Are applications accepted year-round? | Yes, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. |
| Who can I contact for more information? | Tori Snoddy, Director of Operations – 📧 tsnoddy@riseprofessionals.com |