Office of Kansas Insurance Commissioner

TOPEKA–Security Benefit Corporation, based in Topeka, has contributed $100,000 to a new educational initiative to attract Kansas college students to the insurance industry. The contributions were made to the Kansas Insurance Education Foundation (KIEF). KIEF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable foundation administered by the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents, Topeka.

The initiative would provide the Kansas insurance industry with a steady stream of college-educated employees who have completed certain core insurance coursework or have obtained certification through the collaborative program.

“We believe the educational initiative provides a pathway to bringing a more educated, job-ready insurance workforce to our Kansas companies, including our own,” said Barry Ward, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Security Benefit. “Security Benefit is excited about investing in education programs to accomplish this goal.”

The program’s initiative has universities and colleges working together to provide academic flexibility for students, possibly through distance learning programs. Initially the program would provide core courses for an Insurance Certificate, which would consist of 12-15 hours of college insurance-related courses available through the participating universities and colleges.

“We appreciate Security Benefit’s enthusiasm and support for the initiative,” said Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance. “Growing our insurance industry in Kansas through a collaborative effort between private industry and higher education is important for a healthy business climate.”

For more information, contact Will Larson, Attorney for the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents, (785) 232-0561; or Cindy Hermes, Director of Outreach, Kansas Insurance Department, (785) 296-7803.

About Security Benefit

Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, a 123-year-old, Kansas-based insurance company with approximately $30 billion in assets under management, is a leading retirement savings and income solutions provider. Through a combination of innovative products, exceptional investment management and a unique distribution strategy, Security Benefit is a leader in a full range of retirement markets and wealth segments. First Security Benefit Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York (FSBL), New York, NY, is an affiliate of SBL and both are subsidiaries of Security Benefit. To learn more about Security Benefit, visit www.securitybenefit.com.