CICA Unveils Case Study Topics for Next College Student Essay Contest

The Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) has announced the case study topics for its 2025–2026 College Student Essay Contest, "Captive Insurance Solutions for Today's Risk Management Challenges."

Contest finalists will receive cash prizes and present their winning papers during the 2026 CICA International Conference March 8–10 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California.

The CICA essay contest is sponsored by Hylant Global Captive Solutions (Hylant GCS).

The essay contest will see two-person student teams selecting one of three case study topics for the competition. Teams will analyze and design a captive insurance structure to address the case study's main insurance risks and explain the rationale behind their conclusions. The Hylant GCS team developed the case study topics and will also mentor the students.

The case study topics for the CICA essay contest include the following.

• Diamond Cruise Line. The case study envisions a cruise line that tours the world with 10 ships—each with a capacity for 3,000 guests—and 15,000 employees. As insurance premiums increase and traditional insurers offer limited coverage options, Diamond Cruise Line is exploring captive insurance to manage risks related to safety, weather, operations, employees, technology, and other exposures.
• The Corner Basket. This case study focuses on a regional grocery store chain preparing to expand into two additional states with 100 new locations. Undertaking a comprehensive review of its insurance program, the chain recognizes a range of challenges including workplace safety concerns, supply chain disruptions, regulatory compliance requirements, and cyber-security risks.
• Newbies Baseball League. Newbies Baseball League imagines a not-for-profit organization partnering with schools across the Midwest. The league currently has 7,200 players across four states and is continuing to grow. Newbies Baseball League would like to explore captive insurance to manage property damage for the ballparks it uses, general liability, theft, crime coverage, and auto liability for new transportation buses.

"The phenomenal growth of the industry has provided more opportunities than ever for young professionals to enter the captive industry," CICA President Dan Towle said in a statement. "We need to continue to promote the industry and provide opportunities to develop incoming talent. Our CICA essay contest gives college students an exciting way to learn about the diverse career opportunities this rewarding and fast-paced industry offers."

"It is so important to engage students with this wider exposure to captive insurance and help pique career interest right out of high school and college," Anne Marie Towle, CEO of Hylant Global Risk and Captive Solutions, said in the statement. "That is one of our goals with supporting the CICA student essay contest, so they have opportunities to challenge themselves and see how much they can grow in this industry. Hylant is proud to help provide this experience."

Essay contest details, full case study descriptions, entry requirements, and award details are available on the CICA website.