Early Innovators High School Pitch Competition Powered by CNA and Guidewire

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) programming has teamed up with CNA and Guidewire to celebrate our 5 year partnership with the Early Innovators Program. The Early Innovators Program is a business pitch competition where rising high school juniors and seniors will come together to tackle real world challenges and present their innovative solutions to a panel of expert judges. Students will gain experience in Venture Ideation, Business Model Canvas, Pitching, Design Think, and Intra and Entrepreneurship. Participants will also engage with executives, business leaders, and corporate partners from CNA and Guidewire. Students who are innovative and entrepreneurial-minded are highly encouraged to apply to this unique and exciting program!

Program Dates: June 24-26, 2025

Location: Chicago, IL - CNA Headquarters 

Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Publicly supported HBCUs enroll over 80% of all students attending HBCUs. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also a source for top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. 

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CNA is one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance companies. Backed by more than 120 years of experience, CNA provides a broad range of standard and specialized insurance products and services for businesses and professionals in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

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Guidewire Software, Inc., commonly Guidewire, is an American software company based in San Mateo, California. It offers an industry platform for property and casualty insurance carriers in the U.S. and worldwide.

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Students participating in this program will benefit from the following:

• →Engaging business models, design thinking, venture ideation, and pitching sessions
• →Opportunity to network and engage with CNA and Guidewire leaders
• →Hear from industry experts and leaders in casualty insurance and software development
• →Prizes and Monetary awards for top teams and MVP’s
• →Exclusive program swag box for all participants

Students participating in this prgoram must meet the following requirements:

• Must be in good standing with the Academy Group
• Must be a rising junior or senior
• Must adhere to Academy Group GPA requirements
• Must be a new participant to the Early Innovators program
• Student must be able to attend pre-programming events and all 3 days of programming