LANSING, MI - Theres a new opportunity in Mid-Michigan for high school students looking to learn about the insurance industry, earn college credit, or just get some real world business skills.

The Ingham County School Districts are teaming up with the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America to launch the Insurance Leadership Academy.

This year long course which is set to start in the fall will be open to 50 students who can leave the program with up to nine college credits and the opportunity to be certified in three disciplines: commercial insurance, personal insurance and property and liability insurance.

Yvonne Caamal Canul, Superintendent for the Lansing School District, says these kinds of business partnerships are vital, "Not just for the vitality of the district and the community in which we live, but for our kids."

According to Mike Maurer, Regional Director for the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, the insurance industry, already a major employer in Mid-Michigan, is growing and will be in need of young talent in the future.

"We have a very large number of people that are going to be retiring soon, the other thing is the industry is growing both on the company side the industry side. We're creating new jobs so we definitely have a need for more younger people to be in the work force," he says.

As a participant of a similar program offered by Eaton County's Regional Education Service Agency Blayne White, a student at Olivet College, said he got started because he didn't really know what he wanted to do after high school graduation.

"I heard about this new program that they were starting and it turned out to be one of the best programs I've ever experienced," he says.

White mentions the credit and experiences he gained not only helped him graduate early, they also landed him a job.

"The insurance industry is always there, its the second biggest industry in Lansing, and so its definitely important and with the professional development and the mentorship I definitely encourage students to go ahead and take advantage of it," he says.

The Insurance Leadership Academy is looking to attract mostly high school Juniors and Seniors.