Students to Compete in CICA Essay Contest
Undergraduate students have until November 12 to submit their captive insurance case study analyses.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Financial Aid
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The Captive Insurance Companies Association has set a November 12, 2026, deadline for submissions to its annual student essay contest. Sponsored by Hylant Global Captive Solutions, the competition challenges undergraduate students to design a captive insurance structure.
Why it matters
The contest provides a platform for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world insurance industry scenarios. Finalists gain professional exposure by presenting their work at a major international conference.
The contest offers cash awards of $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. Submissions are capped at 10 pages per entry.
The players
Captive Insurance Companies Association
This is a professional trade organization dedicated to the captive insurance industry that hosts an annual international conference.
Hylant Global Captive Solutions
This firm is a sponsor of the student essay contest and provides services in the global captive insurance sector.
The details
Participants must analyze a case study, identify the top three lines of coverage, and recommend a comprehensive captive insurance structure and future strategy. Only one team per school may be selected as a finalist.
Timeline
16 October 2026: Deadline for optional intent to participate form.
12 November 2026: Deadline for student essay contest entries.
12 January 2027: Notification of the three finalist teams.
7 to 9 March 2027: CICA International Conference in Scottsdale.
April 2027: Finalist essays are scheduled for publication.
Culture Shift
The competition reflects a broader trend of industry-led mentorship aimed at bridging the gap between collegiate education and professional insurance roles. It marks a departure from traditional entry-level recruitment by fostering specialized expertise in captive insurance before graduation.
Undergraduate students must verify their eligibility, as entrants cannot have one year of non-internship insurance industry experience. Teams should prepare to adhere to the 10-page submission limit to remain in contention for the cash prizes.
The takeaway
Students looking to enter the insurance field should focus on the strategic components of their case studies to maximize their chances of reaching the top three. Engaging with industry-sponsored challenges provides both financial incentives and professional networking opportunities.
What happens next
Finalists will present their strategies at the CICA International Conference held from March 7 to 9, 2027, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Further reading
For more information on educational funding opportunities, visit Financial Aid.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Captiveinsurancetimes.
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