The Spencer-RIMS Student Risk Management Challenge is a 7-month-long global competition for students, where university/college teams compete to develop and present the most comprehensive Risk Management Report based on a case study.
Since 2023, Spencer has awarded over $325,000 in RM Challenge travel stipends and awards to over 110 recipients.
What is the Student RM Challenge?
A seven-month-long global competition for students, in which university/college teams compete to develop and present the most comprehensive Risk Management Report based on a case study.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the 2026 competition cycle, students must be studying full-time and have completed no more than four years of education after high school by May 2026.
How can I participate?
If you are a student interested in demonstrating your skills and knowledge in risk management, form a team and obtain approval to represent your university/college.
How does it work?
After teams receive the case study, they will carry out a risk analysis and create a detailed risk management report. Their task is to identify the major risks and develop a plan that outlines solutions to manage these risks.
A panel of esteemed Risk Management professionals will serve as the Judging Committee. They will evaluate each team's report and select the top eight teams based on their scores.
Spencer will sponsor the flights and hotel accommodations for the top eight teams to travel to and present their solutions at the RIMS 2026 Annual Conference (RISKWORLD) in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
All top eight teams will present their findings live on stage and respond to various questions from the Judging Committee.
The top three teams will present again the following day in an open session. They will also receive cash prizes and be recognized at the Spencer Soirée and during the finale of the RIMS RISKWORLD Conference.
What are the benefits of participating?
Gain real-world risk management exposure and experience by analyzing data and developing a comprehensive program.
Acquire experience working in a team and establish connections with industry experts and potential employers.
Network with various risk management practitioners and have the opportunity to network with peers from around the world, gaining recognition on an international platform.
Opportunity to win prize money and represent your university/college and country.
The top eight teams receive Spencer-sponsored travel to the RIMS RISKWORLD Conference in the United States.
The top three teams receive cash prizes!
First-place team prize is USD $10,000
Second-place team prize is USD $7,500
Third-place team prize is USD $5,000
2026 RM Challenge Schedule*:
Application Opens - September 1, 2025
Application Closes - October 31, 2025 (Late applications will be considered)
Student Teams Receive Case Study - Friday, October 31, 2025
Risk Management Report Deadline - Friday, January 16, 2026
Top 8 Teams Notified - Friday, February 6, 2026
Top 8 Teams Develop Presentations & Make Travel Arrangements - February to April 2026
Top 8 Teams PowerPoint Presentations Due - Friday, April 10, 2026
Preliminary Presentation Round (Top 8 Teams Only) - Sunday, May 3, 2026 (8:00am-4:00pm ET in person at the RISKWORLD Conference)
Final Presentation Round (Top 3 Teams Only) - Monday, May 4, 2026 (11:00am-1:00pm ET in person at the RISKWORLD Conference)
Winning Team Announcement - Monday, May 4, 2026 (5:00-7:00pm ET during the Spencer Soirée at RISKWORLD)
*The above timeline is subject to change depending on the Judging Committee’s availability.
Students:
To participate in the 2026 Student RM Challenge, click on the buttons below and complete all three steps.
STEP 1:
DOWNLOAD AND REVIEW THE 2026 RULES & GUIDELINES WITH YOUR student TEAM and university representative
STEP 2:
COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM to provide your team’s details (Four student members plus one university rep)
STEP 3:
download the release forM and email THE signed VERSION ALONG WITH ALL STUDENT resumes/CVs
Email the completed & signed Spencer Release Form along with all student resumes/CVs to Tandeka Nomvete at tandeka@spencered.org.
Attention students residing outside the United States: We recommend that all participants obtain their passports as soon as they enter the competition. If you aim to be one of the Top 8 Teams, you will need to apply for a U.S. visa to travel to the United States for the next rounds. Don’t wait—apply for your passport today!
Risk Managers (Volunteers):
Are you a Risk Manager interested in having students tackle a challenge for your company? Please fill out the form below to volunteer your company as a case study.
Are you a Risk Manager interested in serving as a judge on our Judging Committee? Complete the form below to add your name to the database. We welcome volunteers from around the world!
Summary From Prior Years:
Curious to see the official recaps from prior competition years? Click on the links below to access photos, videos, podcasts, news articles, & more.
CLICK HERE for a recap of the 2025 Student RM Challenge in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
CLICK HERE for a recap of the 2024 Student RM Challenge in San Diego, California, USA.
CLICK HERE for a recap of the 2023 Student RM Challenge in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Student Testimonials
“The Spencer-RIMS Student Risk Management Challenge was a pivotal experience for me and my team. Finishing in the top 8 globally and presenting to industry experts in Chicago was an incredible experience that not only honed our skills but also opened doors to unparalleled opportunities. Meeting fellow top-performing teams from around the world was inspiring, and I see immense potential for future collaborations. The challenge has had a lasting impact, and I'm confident it will continue to shape my professional journey. I'm grateful for the experience, the network, and the opportunities that have arisen from it.”
— Christian du Preez, Student, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
“The Spencer-RIMS Student Risk Management Challenge was the most impactful experience of my academic journey so far! I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of such a talented and dedicated team. Applying the skills I’ve learned through our academic curriculum on real-world risks has taught me invaluable lessons. Beyond the competition itself, the chance to learn from my teammates, our mentors, and other teams from around the world made this experience even more valuable. I’m proud to say our team won the 2025 competition, but more than the outcome, it was the growth I experienced, both personally and professionally, that provided the most value. This challenge pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me the confidence and skills that will continue to shape my career ahead.”
— Hatatu Killeen, Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison
“Participating in the Spencer-RIMS Student Risk Management Challenge was a life-changing experience! I was honored to be a member of the very first team from my country to participate in this prestigious competition. I’m proud that our team earned the distinction of being among the top 8 teams in 2025! This experience not only allowed me and my fellow team members to travel abroad for the first time but also immersed us in an environment filled with brilliant minds from around the world. Standing on a global stage in Chicago with my teammates, I truly realized the power of collaboration, persistence, and self-belief. This journey expanded my horizons and instilled in me the confidence to think beyond borders. I returned to Nepal with a suitcase full of unforgettable memories, new perspectives, and the belief that nothing is out of reach for those willing to strive for it.”
— Nissan Neupane, Student, Tribhuvan University (Nepal)
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
This annual student case competition is managed by the Spencer Educational Foundation and supported by FM and RIMS (the Risk Management Society).
QUESTIONS?
Email our Director of External Engagement, Tandeka Nomvete, with any questions.