NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Pacific Life Foundation (the Foundation) has sponsored five $15,000 scholarships through Life Happens (www.LifeHappens.org) and its annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program, to aid the financial burden for students who have lost a parent without life insurance. In honor of Life Insurance Awareness Month in September, the scholarships were awarded to students in communities where Pacific Life employees live and work, including Danayeat Abraha, Kielana Bryant, and Gavin Lundin from California; Mariana Goettemoeller from Nebraska; and MaryRose Hillock from Virginia.

This is the second year the Foundation has joined forces with Life Happens, providing $135,000 in scholarships since 2018. However, Pacific Life’s participation goes beyond just a financial investment. This year, more than 100 Pacific Life employees participated in a scholarship review committee to review and score eligible applicants.

“For many young people, the death of a parent thrusts them into a world of adult responsibilities which is made even more challenging when a parent dies leaving little or no life insurance. This year’s winners, selected from nearly 1,600 applicants, were profoundly impacted by the loss of their parent, but are determined to persevere as they enter college this fall,” said Tennyson Oyler, president of the Pacific Life Foundation. “Our organization and employees are deeply connected to this program. We hope our scholarships help alleviate some of the burden these students have taken on and reinforce how important life insurance is as a financial safety net that parents can leave their children.”

About Pacific Life and the Pacific Life Foundation

For more than 150 years, Pacific Life has helped millions of individuals and families with their financial needs through a wide range of life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients and has been named one of the 2019 World’s Most Ethical Companies^® by the Ethisphere Institute. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.PacificLife.com.

The Pacific Life Foundation (the Foundation) was established in 1984. Together with Pacific Life, the Foundation has contributed more than $116 million to community and national nonprofit organizations. Grants are made to organizations that address a broad spectrum of social needs.

Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Client count as of June 2019 is compiled by Pacific Life using the 2019 FORTUNE 500^® list.