Janus Assurance Re launches scholarship for AFSB designation

Janus Assurance Re is funding up to five annual scholarships for final-year university students in the United States and Puerto Rico to earn the AFSB surety designation, starting with applications opening Jan. 1, 2027. The program covers course materials and exam fees, with no work commitment attached.

Why it matters: - The scholarship is designed to help build the next generation of surety and fidelity bond professionals. - The program targets students entering insurance at a time when the industry is facing retirements and knowledge loss. - Each award covers a credential that can strengthen early-career hiring prospects in the surety market.

What happened: - Janus Assurance Re announced the Janus Assurance Re AFSB Scholarship for final-year university students. - The program will fund up to five awards each year for students in the United States and Puerto Rico. - Applications open on Jan. 1, 2027, and have no closing date. - Recipients will be notified within 30 days of application acceptance. - Applications and requests should be sent to Info@JanusAssuranceRe.com.

The details: - The scholarship pays for students to earn the Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding designation from The Institutes. - The AFSB is the professional designation for people who produce, underwrite and adjust surety and fidelity bonds. - Each scholarship covers course materials and exam fees for all five required courses. - The award is worth about $4,000 at current prices. - The program pays The Institutes directly, so the funds go toward education rather than reimbursement. - Eligible applicants must be full-time students in the final year of a bachelor's degree at an accredited university in the United States or Puerto Rico. - Applicants need a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0. - Students may apply from any major. - An application must include a form, a transcript, an essay of up to 750 words and one faculty reference. - Full rules are available on request. - The Surety One, Inc. team will administer the program. - The initial scholarship fund is $25,000. - Janus Assurance Re Chief Executive Officer C. Constantin Poindexter is donating the initial fund. - The Carlyle Poindexter Charitable Foundation will finance the program in subsequent years. - The scholarship carries no work commitment. - Recipients are not required to intern with, work for or provide any service to Janus Assurance Re, Surety One, Inc. or their affiliates. - Janus Assurance Re will not ask a scholar to repay funds spent, even if the student does not complete the AFSB work.

Between the lines: - C. Constantin Poindexter said the surety industry is losing institutional knowledge to retirement and that the scholarship is meant to bring new talent into the business. - Poindexter said his goal is industry development rather than recruiting students into Janus Assurance Re or its affiliates. - The no-strings-attached structure lowers barriers for students who want to pursue a niche insurance credential. - The direct-payment setup suggests the company wants the entire award to support the credential itself.

What's next: - Students who qualify can begin applying when the portal opens on Jan. 1, 2027. - Janus Assurance Re will continue awarding scholarships annually, subject to the program's funding structure. - The company says the scholarship rules are available on request. - More information is available at JanusAssuranceRe.com.