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College of Business
High school students posing with Reggie

Outreach, Diversity Initiatives, and Educational Programs

Programs for high school guidance counselors and career advisors.

Redbird Risk Management Challenge

Illinois State University invites the best that the Midwest and beyond has to offer to compete in a weeklong risk management challenge held at the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management on the ISU campus from July 13 through  July 18, 2025.

Teams assume the roles of senior risk management professionals and are asked to guide their corporation through a minefield of potential disasters. Losses may occur without notice - and have the potential to greatly setback your corporations ability to operate. The only alternative to bankruptcy is for your team to correctly assess the impact of these perils and implement superior risk management strategies. The winning team is determined by which corporation generates the most profit by the end of the week.

This experience is challenging and requires teams to think creatively and stay resourceful.

We have fun too! In the evenings there are structured social activities such as bowling, mini-golf, and other competitive activities designed to build camaraderie and help earn additional revenue for your “companies”. Students stay in a dorm on the Illinois State University campus while in the program, allowing them to experience what it is like to live on a college campus. Special student guides and programming are arranged for students during the evening.

APPLY HERE

Please contact Program Coordinator Kylie at kmaurer@ilstu.edu with any questions.

We are seeking students who:

  • Are entering their senior year in high school.
  • Plan to attend college after graduation.
  • Presently have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • ACT scores and Letters of Recommendation are viewed favorably but NOT required.

Selection will be based on GPA, extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles held by the applicant. A letter of recommendation from a business/consumer science teacher is viewed favorably. This recommendation confirms the student’s activities and interests in business.

Applications are due May 31, 2025.  

  • Schedule

    Students participate in games within the wider challenge. Each activity provides clues on how to better manage the risk of your corporation. The program culminates with an Innovation Sprint challenge that leads into a Shark Tank-like presentation for a group of industry professionals.

  • Parent-Student Orientation

    We will host an orientation for parents and students to understand the resources available at Illinois State University with a welcome lunch and orientation on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Families are also invited to an awards luncheon on Friday, July 18, 2025

  • What Does This Cost?

    This program is FREE. The Redbird Risk Management Challenge is funded through a generous donation from State Farm® and the Spencer Educational Fund. While on campus for the challenge, the costs of tuition, room, and meals are covered.