Makena Petsch of Riverside, RI Wins Foresters Financial Scholarship

(Toronto, ON, October 1, 2025) – Foresters Financial™ (Foresters), a leading global life insurer committed to empowering its members and their families to do more of the good they want to do, today announced that Makena Petsch of Riverside, RI is the recipient of a $2,000 scholarship, and is eligible to reapply each year for up to four years.

In the spirit of Foresters mission to help those who help others, the Foresters Competitive Scholarship1 is awarded annually to 420 students in the US and Canada. They are granted to those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their contributions towards charitable activities within their communities and have consistently excelled academically. The scholarships can be awarded for up to four years for students pursuing undergraduate study at accredited two or four-year colleges/universities or vocational/technical schools.

Makena has chosen to attend Rhode Island College in the Fall. She earned her scholarship due to academic achievement and importantly, time spent volunteering at Camp Mauchatea.

Foresters Financial President and CEO Matt Berman said, “It’s a privilege to recognize Makena for her remarkable contributions to the community. Makena exemplifies the spirit of service and academic excellence that Foresters is proud to support. Through her volunteer work and unwavering dedication, Makena has demonstrated a commitment to making a meaningful difference, qualities that align closely with our purpose as an organization. This scholarship reflects not only her achievements, but also our belief in her potential to shape a brighter future.

Foresters Academic Scholarships

Foresters Competitive Scholarship program, recognized by USA TODAY and its research partner Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s Best Loyalty & Rewards Programs in 2025.2 is a special benefit offered to Foresters members. Members, their spouses, children, and grandchildren are all eligible to apply for consideration for an annual scholarship.

In total, more than US$885,000 has been awarded across this year’s 420 recipients – 285 of whom are attending US institutions and 135 attending Canadian institutions.

Since 2012, Foresters has awarded over 9,939 tuition scholarships internationally, an investment of more than US$19.9 million.