Bring Insurance to Life with the Invest Student Challenge
Claim your students’ spot at the top, with help from the Ohio Insurance Institute, Ohio Insurance Agents Association, and Insuring Ohio Futures
The 2026–27 Invest Student Challenge is a national competition that asks high school students to imagine themselves as young professionals launching a new insurance agency — and build the team that will make it successful.
Students will develop a business plan that identifies the insurance and business professionals they would hire, explains how those roles contribute to the agency’s growth and innovation, and considers how they would create a workplace that attracts and retains the next generation of talent.
Then, they’ll bring their ideas to life through a 3–5 minute video pitch designed to convince investors that their agency — and the team behind it — is worth the investment.
Why It Fits in Your Classroom
The Invest Student Challenge offers a hands-on way to connect concepts students are already learning to a real industry and real careers.
It can complement business, marketing, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career exploration courses, as well as DECA and BPA programs, while giving students the opportunity to:
- Explore the wide range of careers that exist within insurance
- Connect individual roles and skills to the success of a business
- Think critically about leadership, workplace culture, and attracting talent
- Apply marketing, communication, and presentation skills
- Build a better understanding of insurance and how an agency operates
And there’s an added opportunity to make it even more real: students can earn bonus consideration by interviewing an insurance professional and incorporating what they learn into their presentation.
Ohio’s Insurance Industry Has You Covered!
You don’t have to introduce students to insurance on your own.
We’re here to support educators with:
- Classroom-ready resources that introduce the fundamentals of insurance and how it can act as a safety net for people, families, and businesses
- Connections with local insurance professionals who can speak to classes, mentor teams, or provide real-world insight
Think of us as your partner in the classroom – giving your students the tools and context to create standout submissions for the Invest Challenge.
Next Steps
The submission portal opens December 7, 2026, and entries are due February 1, 2027. National winners will receive cash prizes, recognition from Invest and additional opportunities to support continued insurance education.
→ Learn about the Invest Challenge and get full details on submission requirements, deadlines, and the prizes up for grabs.
→ Access trusted resources here within the Insurance Education Toolkit
→ Get Connected with an insurance professional