The Insurance Society of Philadelphia (ISOP) has a commitment to support the education and industry connectivity of future and early-career professionals in the insurance and risk management sector. In the last three years, the organization has exponentially increased its scholarship program, donating more than $100,000 in scholarship dollars last year to college students and young professionals pursuing specific industry education. This year, in lieu of the in-person annual fundraising gala, a respected Philadelphia tradition, the association pivoted to a new Un-Gala format, turning their scholarship fundraising efforts into a larger opportunity for high-level education and member connections.

Awarding scholarships has been an ISOP initiative for years, more recently the association's dynamic NextGen Committee has initiated programs for those coming behind them. This past spring, hundreds of students lost their opportunities to participate in a professional internship within the Philadelphia insurance community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ISOP’s NextGen board stepped up to coordinate a series of webinars over the summer, leveraging their professional networks and the ISOP Board of Directors to allow over 200 students to make connections with the region's most senior leaders in a virtual environment. Not only did the students appreciate the industry’s effort to pro-actively engage, many of them attended most of the program series and leveraged the presentations to make LinkedIn connections to local insurance professionals, and in some cases, securing employment.

ISOP’s commitment to creating opportunities for students throughout the Philadelphia area is contributing to the pipeline of professional talent. It is also tapping into a new generation of professionals who view charitable giving as a means of promoting networking and valuable connections that will serve them in the future. Board members are recognizing the commitment of these new professionals and opening more opportunities for them to get involved in the highest levels of association leadership. By embracing the new activities and resources created by these future leaders, ISOP ensures that they can support their mission of a 100+-year-old institution by remaining relevant and connected to an insurance industry that has been sharply impacted by recent world events.

ISOP is a client partner of Association Headquarters (AH). AH is a best-in-class association management company dedicated to enabling associations and societies fulfill their missions, create value, and advance their causes, industries, and professions. AH understands association trends and best practices and has professionals experienced in management, meetings, marketing, non-dues revenue growth, technology, recruiting, finances, and more.