May 14, 2025

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: COUNTRY Financial® Supports Local Students

At COUNTRY, enriching lives in the communities we serve is our Vision—one of the many ways we do this is through our support of students. This spring, the company has continued its commitment to developing future leaders by partnering with Illinois State University (ISU), Heartland Community College (HCC), and the University of Illinois. Through mentorships, internships, and hands-on learning, these partnerships go beyond short-term engagement—they are a vital part of cultivating our talent pipeline and delivering on our strategic priority of investing in people and teams.

ISU scholars: A look behind the scenes at COUNTRY

On April 11, COUNTRY hosted a group of ISU scholars, giving students a unique opportunity to connect directly with the company’s leadership and learn about the professional pathways within the organization. CEO Jim Jacobs kicked off the visit with an inspiring presentation, followed by a Q&A session where students had the chance to ask questions about the company’s operations and its commitment to clients.

The students also experienced a panel discussion comprised of COUNTRY employee resource group leaders and gained insight into the company’s internship program. For many of the ISU scholars, the visit was not just an educational experience—it was a glimpse into the future and the potential job opportunities that await them after graduation.

COUNTRY also hosted visits for local student organizations at our Home Offices for Illinois State University’s Alpha Kappa Psi, Women in Business, Gamma Lota Sigma, Delta Sigma Pi, and the Student Accounting Society with the Financial Women’s Alliance.

DigitaLab: A hub for innovation and real-world experience

For the past eight years, COUNTRY has partnered with the University of Illinois to sponsor the DigitaLab internship program, a dynamic initiative that offers students hands-on experience in the world of data science and technology. The program, which runs every semester, has become a cornerstone of the company’s investment in students who are passionate about AI, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge technologies.

The interns at the DigitaLab are not just learning theoretical concepts; they are putting their skills to the test by working on real-world projects that have a tangible impact. Every semester, 20 interns—ranging from freshmen to Ph.D. candidates—join the program to collaborate across disciplines, developing prototypes and turning ideas into production-ready technology.

There is a strong track record for DigitaLab interns to convert to full-time employees. This spring semester, five students will begin working full-time after graduation. Since fall 2019, 29 interns have become employees.

The spring project showcase on April 28 highlighted the innovative work these students have accomplished. Under the guidance of the Site Director, Julia Hart, who is also a faculty member in the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, students have had the opportunity to present their work to industry professionals and receive feedback that helps refine their skills and ideas.

Heartland scholars: Celebrating the end of a successful program year

On April 29, COUNTRY welcomed the Heartland Community College student scholars to the Home Offices for a special celebration marking the end of their program year. CEO Jim Jacobs and Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Carl Bridges greeted the students, applauding their achievements and underscoring the importance of continued learning and community involvement.

The Heartland Scholars program aims to empower students by providing them with the resources and mentorship needed to succeed both academically and professionally. The program gives students a unique chance to connect with industry professionals and explore career opportunities in a supportive environment.

Building the future, enriching lives

Through strategic partnerships with local colleges and universities, COUNTRY is actively shaping the workforce of tomorrow. These programs are more than community engagement—they are long-term investments in talent and innovation.

By creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and connect with experienced professionals, COUNTRY ensures that our future teams are built on a foundation of curiosity, collaboration, and purpose. Each interaction, internship, and mentorship moment is a step toward fulfilling our Vision: enriching lives in the communities we serve.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to supporting emerging talent, investing in our people, and building teams that will drive meaningful change—for our clients, COUNTRY and the world around us.

Media contact

news@countryfinancial.com