Early-career professionals looking to advance their careers in the insurance and risk management sector now have a valuable funding opportunity. RISE (Rising Insurance Star Executives) has partnered with St. John’s University to launch the RISE Scholarship, offering up to $20,000 in graduate tuition support for students pursuing advanced education in Risk Management, Insurance, Enterprise Risk Management, and Actuarial Science.

The initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers while helping future professionals build strong industry connections through mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities.

About the RISE Scholarship

The RISE Scholarship is a new funding initiative created through a collaboration between RISE and St. John’s University. It supports early-career professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in risk management and insurance by pursuing graduate-level education.

Unlike many competitive scholarships, every eligible applicant is guaranteed at least $5,000 toward tuition, while outstanding candidates may receive awards of up to $20,000.

The scholarship combines financial assistance with professional mentorship, providing recipients with both academic and career support.

Scholarship Benefits

Students selected for the RISE Scholarship can receive several valuable benefits, including:

Financial Support

• Scholarships worth up to $20,000
• Guaranteed minimum award of $5,000 for eligible applicants
• Tuition assistance for selected graduate degree programs

Professional Mentorship

In addition to financial support, every scholarship recipient gains access to the RISE Mentorship Program, where experienced professionals provide guidance throughout the student’s academic and professional journey.

Mentorship benefits include:

• One-on-one career advice
• Professional networking opportunities
• Industry insights from experienced insurance leaders
• Career development support
• Exposure to emerging trends in risk management and insurance

Leadership Highlights the Importance of the Partnership

Leaders from both organizations believe the partnership will help develop the next generation of professionals in the insurance industry.

According to Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, the collaboration strengthens St. John’s University’s commitment to supporting talented students by combining financial assistance with industry mentorship.

Amy Cooper, Founder and CEO of RISE, also emphasized that bringing together graduate education at St. John’s University and RISE’s mentorship network creates meaningful opportunities for professionals preparing for leadership roles within the insurance sector.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying.

RISE Membership

Candidates must be active members of RISE.

Professional Experience

Applicants should have fewer than 10 years of professional experience.

Graduate Admission

Students must be admitted to or currently enrolled in one of the eligible graduate programs offered by St. John’s University.

Eligible Graduate Programs

Scholarship applicants must study one of the following programs:

Risk Management and Risk Analytics

Develop analytical skills to identify, assess, and manage organizational risks.

Risk Management and Insurance

Prepare for careers in insurance operations, underwriting, claims, and corporate risk management.

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

Learn how organizations identify and manage strategic, operational, financial, and regulatory risks.

Actuarial Science

Build advanced quantitative skills for careers in insurance, finance, pensions, and risk analysis.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, students should apply before the following priority deadlines.

Submitting an application early may improve the overall admission and scholarship process.

About St. John’s University

Founded in 1870, St. John’s University is a private Roman Catholic university located in New York City. The university has campuses in Queens, Manhattan, Rome, Paris, and Limerick, providing students with a global educational experience.

Its graduate programs are recognized for combining academic excellence with strong industry engagement.

About the Maurice R. Greenberg School

The Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science (GSRM) is one of the world’s most respected institutions specializing in insurance education.

Originally established in 1901 as the Insurance Society of New York, the institution later became The College of Insurance before joining St. John’s University in 2001.

Today, the school offers internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs accredited by AACSB, preparing students for careers in:

• Risk Management
• Insurance
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Actuarial Science

About RISE

RISE (Rising Insurance Star Executives) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting emerging talent within the insurance industry.

Through mentorship programs, networking events, leadership training, and educational initiatives, RISE helps early-career professionals expand their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and build long-term careers.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can submit their scholarship application through the official RISE website after confirming eligibility and graduate admission requirements at St. John’s University.

For scholarship-related questions, applicants may also contact the RISE Operations team for additional guidance during the application process.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Graduate education in risk management and insurance can significantly improve career opportunities within one of the world’s fastest-growing financial sectors. The RISE Scholarship stands out by combining substantial tuition assistance with structured mentorship, allowing recipients to gain both academic qualifications and practical industry connections.

For professionals seeking leadership positions in insurance, actuarial science, enterprise risk management, or corporate risk analysis, this scholarship offers a valuable pathway to career advancement.