Celebrating Our Student Challenge Winners

June 3, 2026  

Invest is pleased to announce the winners of the REAL WORLD READY- What Every 18-year-old Needs to Know About Insurance Before Life Hits. This insurance competition for high school students focuses on educating and empowering young adults by creating a marketing campaign aimed at Gen Z by helping them understand the importance of insurance before adulthood.

The initiative, launched in December 2025, invited all high school students to submit a 3-5 video breaking down insurance in a relatable way. This year Invest received 193 submissions across 27 states. Invests partnerships with DECA and BPA, organizations focused on empowering students for career readiness, allowed students to use their creativity and showcase their abilities in business and marketing.  By applying innovative and diverse strategies, students were able to create timely, engaging and relatable content.

The winners of the 2026 Real World Ready Challenge:

 GRAND PRIZE
Fred J Page High School – Franklin, TN

FIRST PLACE
James Bowie High School – Austin TX

SECOND PLACE TIED
Reedy High School – Frisco, TX
Wakeland High School – Frisco, TX

THIRD PLACE
Ravenwood High School- Brentwood, TN

Explore the winning videos and learn more about the honorees here. Each winning team earned a cash prize, and their videos have been showcased across Invest and other insurance industry channels. Invest will also celebrate the teachers of these winning teams with a classroom pizza party.

By engaging students in reimagining the insurance industry within their own communities, Invest is helping to cultivate a new generation of professionals who see insurance as an appealing and meaningful career path.

“We look forward to continuing to help students creatively explore the many opportunities within our beloved insurance industry,” said Whitnee Dillard, Invest Executive Director.