WSIA Scholarship

Supporting Education. Advancing Careers. Strengthening Our Industry.

Supporting education and professional development is a core part of the Surplus Line Association of Washington. Through training opportunities, educational resources, and industry partnerships, we work to strengthen knowledge and promote continued learning within Washington’s surplus lines community.

Each year, our Board of Directors provides members with an opportunity to further their education and professional growth through scholarship support. The scholarship is offered in partnership with the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA), a world-class member service organization representing the wholesale, specialty, and surplus lines insurance industry.

Applications are now closed for the 2026 WSIA Scholarship Program.

Recipients of the WSIA Scholarship will receive:

  • Full paid tuition to a WSIA Educational Program of choice
  • $300 flight stipend
  • Reimbursement of eligible travel expenses, including meals and local transportation

Eligibility Requirments: Applicants must be employed with a Brokerage Firm Member of both the Surplus Line Association of Washington and WSIA

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

2026 Course Catalogue

Excess and Surplus Lines – June 14-17, 2026  • Chicago, IL 

– For all insurance professionals who are relatively new to the surplus lines industry or who have recently transitioned into E&S          
Attendees gain solid understanding of the surplus lines marketplace, current issues and trends, and the roles of brokers, underwriters, program administrators, managing general agents and other players in the industry. At the end of the program, participants will be more knowledgeable about the surplus lines market.

Marcus Payne Advanced E&S – June 14-17, 2026  • Chicago, IL 

– For E&S professionals with 5-15 years of surplus lines industry experience
Attendees learn about wholesale distribution issues and best practices, industry regulatory issues, marketing, the claims process and the reinsurance impact upon the wholesale, specialty and surplus lines industry from professionals who bring years of expertise. Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of a company’s operations, armed with information that can be applied immediately to strengthen the individual’s contribution to the business.

EduTech Connect– Summer 2026  • Location/Time TBD

-For E&S professionals at all career levels, including underwriters, brokers, technologists, managers and executives
EduTech Connect, a brand-new experience for WSIA members, is where E&S education, digital innovation and discussion intersect with networking. This event brings together the best of what you previously knew as WSIA University and the WSIA Insurtech Conference, now combined into one dynamic opportunity. Build your own EduTech experience beginning with a keynote speaker and a choice of more than 25 sessions that include technical training, professional development and innovation-focused topics. The event is networking and education rich!

Underwriting Boot Camp – August 31 – September 3, 2026 • Scottsdale, AZ 

– For insurance professionals new to or with limited surplus lines underwriting exposure or experience
Designed for underwriters, brokers and those with binding authority to establish an underwriting foundation to enhance participants’ abilities to more quickly and effectively accomplish their work. With classroom facilitation, discussion and thorough case studies, participants will be more effective technicians at the end of the program.

Don’t miss this opportunity!

We’re proud to provide education and opportunities that support the professional development of our members.

WSIA career development timeline

WSIA Education & Career Development

Professional Development

Professional development plays an essential role in strengthening both individual careers and the surplus lines industry as a whole. Educational programs and industry training opportunities help build technical expertise, expand professional networks, and support long-term career growth.

Through opportunities like the WSIA Scholarship Program, we are proud to help members continue learning, develop leadership skills, and invest in their professional future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in our industry and enhance your career!