MassMutual Awards $150,000 in Scholarships

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) has awarded $150,000 in college scholarships to students of African American, Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic descent, who reside and plan to attend college in the United States.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120716/NY40712)

The MassMutual Scholars program is a national scholarship program for eligible students interested in careers in the insurance and financial services industry. This year, MassMutual awarded $2,500 and $5,000 scholarships to 33 high achieving college students from diverse backgrounds to help them pursue their higher education dreams.            

One of this year's recipients is Jakarah Porter, a student at Dillard University majoring in Economics and Finance. She says one of her goals after college is to help educate the African American community and youth everywhere about how to properly manage and budget their finances, and feels that the MassMutual Scholars program will help her in her mission.

Student applicants were evaluated on their academic performance and commitment, as well as a personal essay where many shared poignant stories about their desires to achieve a degree and their need for assistance.

Porter's application touched on her own observations of individuals in her community poorly managing their money, which has inspired her to explore careers in financial services. "Many people long for a more financially fulfilling life, but do not know the proper steps to take in order to achieve it. That is why I am passionate about being dedicated to helping others to discover their path," she said.

MassMutual is focused on providing an opportunity for higher education and employment to students who reflect the rich cultural diversity of our nation. It is the goal of the MassMutual Scholars program, to increase the number of minority students completing college nationally, raise awareness of careers in financial services, and recruit and retain the top talent touched by MassMutual's programs.

"I'd like to congratulate all of this year's MassMutual Scholars," said Nick Fyntrilakis, Vice President of Community Responsibility at MassMutual. "It is rewarding to know that so many students are diligently working towards obtaining a college degree and that the MassMutual Scholarship can help them get there."

The MassMutual Scholars program is just one of the many initiatives that are a part of MassMutual's Community Responsibility programs, which provided more than $7 million in charitable contributions in 2011. In addition to a national scholarship, the company's Career Pathways Program, offered in our home office communities of Springfield, Mass. and Enfield, Conn., supports eligible high school and college students through scholarships, internships and experiential learning opportunities focused on careers in financial services.  MassMutual has also provided more than $625 million in free term life insurance coverage to eligible working families across the country – helping protect children's educational aspirations. MassMutual pays all insurance premiums on the policies as part of our unique LifeBridge(SM) Free Life Insurance Program, which began in 2002. Finally, MassMutual's corporate giving programs include national programs that provide MassMutual's financial professionals the opportunity to engage in their local area, and support education, community vitality and economic development initiatives in our local communities.

To learn more about all of MassMutual's Scholarship programs and community responsibility initiatives visit www.massmutual.com/education.

The 2012 MassMutual Scholars are:

About MassMutual

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

For more information, visit www.massmutual.com or find MassMutual on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Google+.

CONTACT:
Laura DeMars
413.744.7181
ldemars@massmutual.com

SOURCE MassMutual