CICA reveals student essay case study topics
The Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) has announced its case study topics for its 2026-2027 College Student Essay Contest, Captive Insurance Solutions for Today’s Risk Management Challenges.
Finalists will receive cash prizes and present their winning papers at the 2027 CICA International Conference, March 7-9, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. The contest is sponsored by Hylant Global Captive Solutions (Hylant GCS).
“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 realise how much they can achieve in this industry,” said CICA president Dan Towle.
Two-person student teams will select one of three case study topics for the competition. Students will analyse and design a captive insurance structure to address the case study’s prime insurance risks and explain the rationale behind their conclusions. The case studies were developed by the Hylant GCS team, who will also provide mentorship for the students.
The case study topics are:
Style Retail Group (SRG) - This national retailer operates more than 2,000 stores across the US, selling apparel, home goods, electronics, and private-label products through both physical stores and e-commerce platforms. In recent years, SRG has faced increasing risks from supply chain disruptions, severe weather events, cyber threats, inflation, and changing consumer behaviour.
American Infrastructure Builders (AIB) - A leading US construction and infrastructure company with $8 billion in annual revenue and operations across more than 30 states. AIB has faced rising insurance costs, increasing claim severity, labour shortages, supply chain challenges, and greater exposure to natural catastrophes. At the same time, insurance markets have become more restrictive.
Sound Effects Festivals (SEF) - Producing and promoting more than 25 music festivals annually across the country, SEF hosts over 1.5 million attendees each year. With the organisation's extensive use of subcontractors for staging, sound and lighting production, security services, transportation logistics, sanitation, and food service, SEF faces operational and liability exposures.
Anne Marie Towle, chief executive of Hylant Consulting, said, “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.”
Contest details, full case study descriptions, entry requirements and award details are available on the CICA website.
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