Piedmont Financial, LLC, MassMutual Announce Scholarship Program For Local Multicultural College Students

/PRNewswire/ -- Local multicultural college students from the metro area of Atlanta will have a chance to win scholarships and internship opportunities in the financial services field as part of a newly-expanded scholarship program sponsored by Piedmont Financial, LLC, a general agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual).

Students of African-American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic descent who reside in the state of Georgia can apply for one of three $5,000 college scholarships. Applicants must meet certain academic criteria, such as having concentrations in the fields of business, economics, finance, financial planning, management, marketing or sales.

Nationally, MassMutual is making $135,000 in scholarships available in nine metropolitan areas as part of the program.

"We've always been committed to attracting talented professionals to the field of financial services, and in particular to supporting people of diverse backgrounds, both as agents and as clients," said William Brill, General Agent of Piedmont Financial. "These scholarships and internship opportunities will, ultimately, help us better serve Georgia's increasingly diverse community."

This marks the second consecutive year that MassMutual Piedmont Financial has participated in the scholarship program with MassMutual. This year, MassMutual is expanding the scholarship program, which began in 2009 with four metropolitan areas, to nine.

"Our scholarship program is a very important part of our commitment to diversity and education, and because of it and our other efforts, we're already making a big difference in the lives of the communities we serve," said Nick Fyntrilakis, assistant vice president of Community Responsibility for MassMutual.

The scholarship program's application deadline is May 30, and winners will be notified in late summer.

To be eligible, applicants must:
-- Be of African American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic
decent.
-- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a permanent
resident card or passport stamped I-551 (not expired).
-- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0
scale.
-- Have plans to attend FULL-TIME, a degree-seeking program at a U.S.
accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
or Guam during the 2010-2011 academic year.
-- Be entering their sophomore, junior, senior or 5th year senior year at
a four-year university or be a community college student.
-- Reside or plan to attend an institution in one of the following
metropolitan areas: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Los Angeles,
CA; San Francisco, CA; Central New Jersey; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; or
San Antonio, TX.
-- Be majoring in business, economics, finance, financial planning,
management, marketing or sales.
-- Demonstrate leadership and extra curricular activities.
-- Must apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)


For more information on how to apply or to obtain an application, visit www.hsf.net/massmutual.aspx.

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Civil Service Internships Bring Benefits to the Federal Government

/PRNewswire/ -- As the nation's college students search for career opportunities in today's increasingly competitive job market, many are shifting their interest from Wall Street to Pennsylvania Avenue. A recent survey conducted by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) found 69 percent of students are more inclined to choose a career in public service.

This drastic increase creates a number of benefits for Federal Government agencies.

"With baby boomers getting ready to retire from government service, agencies can utilize internships to eliminate 'brain drain' and fill vacant positions with qualified, trained personnel," said Jennifer Clinton, Chief Operating Officer of TWC. "Plus, interns bring new ideas, technological skills, and many can be hired for full-time positions directly through the Student Career Employment Program."

As one of the largest internship and education organizations in the United States, TWC placed more than 800 interns at hundreds of companies, non-profits and government agencies in the DC area this summer. As the unemployment rate rises, so does interest in internships with TWC, climbing more than 20 percent with the greatest rise at Federal agencies.

"It is very encouraging that this generation wants to work in government to help solve our country's tough economic challenges", said Norman Y. Mineta, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

"In essence, they want to get involved because they can make a difference," added Mineta. "And, there has never been a better time for the government to show this generation all that it has to offer."

TWC offers students and agencies an exceptional experience by providing the infrastructure necessary for a successful internship. Not only does TWC provide housing, academic classes, and a series of career seminars, it educates the students on what will be required of them at their current position.

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