3 Student Teams to Compete in 2026 CICA Essay Contest Finals

Three student teams from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Temple University, and the University of Wisconsin—Madison have been named finalists in the 2026 Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) "Captive Insurance Solutions for Today's Risk Management Challenges" Essay Contest. Sponsored by Hylant Global Captive Solutions (Hylant GCS), the competition offers students the chance to explore how captive insurance can address real-world risk management needs.

Teams were tasked with analyzing a case study and proposing how a captive could be used to address rising premiums and limited coverage availability. This year's case studies included Diamond Cruise Line, a growing cruise operator facing insurance challenges across marine, liability, travel, and event risks; The Corner Basket, a regional grocery chain expanding across the Southwest while managing complex operational risks such as cyber threats and supply chain disruption; and Newbies Baseball League, a nonprofit youth organization seeking coverage for transportation, liability, and property damage as it scales operations.

The finalist teams will now revise their essays in collaboration with mentors from Hylant GCS. Final judging will take place ahead of the CICA 2026 International Conference, where the teams will present their proposals during a dedicated education session.

"We received a record number of submissions this year and were so pleased with the exceptional quality of each submission. The finalist teams have done excellent work, and we look forward to having them share their presentations at the conference," CICA president Dan Towle said.

"Engaging students before they graduate from college in this industry is crucial for opening doors to employment and long-term career growth. Their involvement can not only benefit their careers, but also contribute to the overall development of the industry. This gives students a platform for their future success to build on," Anne Marie Towle, CEO of Hylant GCS, said.

Final rankings and prize awards will be announced during the Monday morning general session at the CICA International Conference, March 8–10 in Palm Desert, California. Students will also have full access to conference programming, offering exposure to leading professionals and potential employers. More information is available on the CICA website.