Our Background
The idea for an MAIA program devoted to drawing new
people into the industry goes back to 1998 during a series of
MAIA
Agent-Company Meetings when several companies challenged
MAIA to develop a
farm system for recruiting new talent into the “graying” agency system.
In its first several years, a number of efforts were undertaken by the New
Blood Task
Force, including the organization of an annual Job Shadow day and an
internship program. In 2001, the group was renamed MI Future Foundation and
received its approval as a 501(c)3 educational foundation. Shortly
thereafter it first reached out to community colleges.
The community college initiative gained momentum when the Foundation built
upon its strong working relationship with Olivet College and Insurance
Professor Carol Breed. Olivet, of course, offers the only four-year
insurance degree program in the state. With the help of
MAIA staff, Breed
and others developed an outline for a one-year certificate and a two-year
associate degree program to present to community colleges.
Currently, MI Future is experiencing a season of expansion and growth as it seeks to fulfill its mission.