Athene USA plans to launch a scholarship program for Iowa students in January as part of an effort to deepen its commitment to education. Its parent company, Athene Holding Ltd. announced this week that it’s focusing on education-based initiatives as a component of its broader corporate social responsibility strategy. The company has a long-standing history of supporting educational initiatives, which it is reinforcing by tying together new and existing initiatives. Its signature Boots and Coats program has provided thousands of winter coats and snow boots to children at four elementary schools in Des Moines over the past 25 years. It’s one of a half-dozen programs the West Des Moines company conducts annually. “At Athene, we believe all children deserve an education so they can build a strong foundation for their future, Athene Holding CEO Jim Belardi said in a release. “We recognize that some students within our communities lack adequate resources and we understand the far-reaching impacts. We are committed to providing additional resources and support for those who are financially disadvantaged.”