CICA Unveils Topics for 2026–2027 Student Essay Contest

The Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) has announced three case study topics for its 2026–2027 College Student Essay Contest, "Captive Insurance Solutions for Today’s Risk Management Challenges." 

Two-person student teams will select one of the three case studies and analyze the organization's primary insurance risks. Teams will then design a captive insurance structure to address those risks and explain the rationale for their recommendations. 

Finalists will receive cash prizes and present their winning papers at the 2027 CICA International Conference, scheduled for March 7–9 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. Essays from all finalist teams will also be published in Captive Insurance Times. 

"The future of our industry depends on engaging the next generation today and every great career begins with exposure, curiosity, and opportunity. By showing college students the opportunities available within captive insurance through the CICA College Student Essay Contest, we can help them build confidence, explore new possibilities, and realize how much they can achieve in this industry," CICA President Dan Towle said. 

Hylant Global Captive Solutions is sponsoring the contest. Its team developed the case studies and will provide mentorship to participating students. 

The first case study centers on Style Retail Group, a national retailer operating more than 2,000 stores across the US. The company sells apparel, home goods, electronics, and private-label products through stores and e-commerce platforms. Its risks include supply chain disruptions, severe weather, cyber threats, inflation and changing consumer behavior. 

The second case study focuses on American Infrastructure Builders, a US construction and infrastructure company with $8 billion in annual revenue and operations in more than 30 states. The company faces rising insurance costs, increasing claim severity, labor shortages, supply chain challenges, and greater exposure to natural catastrophes amid more restrictive insurance markets. 

The third involves Sound Effects Festivals, which produces and promotes more than 25 music festivals nationwide and hosts more than 1.5 million attendees annually. The organization relies extensively on subcontractors for staging, sound and lighting production, security, transportation logistics, sanitation, and food service, creating a range of operational and liability exposures. 

"Introducing students to the world of captive insurance can open doors and shape their future careers. Through our support of the CICA Student Essay Contest, we aim to give college students meaningful opportunities to challenge themselves and expand their perspectives within this dynamic industry. At Hylant, we are proud to invest in experiences that inspire the next generation of leaders," Anne Marie Towle, CEO of Hylant Consulting, said. 

Contest details, complete case study descriptions, entry requirements, and award information are available on the CICA website.