Next Generation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Retail Federation Foundation

Description
**Purpose and focus**
The NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship seeks rising talent with a clear passion for retail and a demonstrated capacity to bring fresh, innovative perspectives to the industry. The program identifies students who are ambitious, adaptable and positioned to influence the future of retail through leadership or creative problem‑solving. Retail executives and NRF Foundation judges evaluate applicants for both performance and potential. The scholarship pairs financial support with professional exposure to help launch recipients into retail careers.

Key takeaways:
- Targets students with passion and original thinking about retail.
- Judges include NRF Foundation staff and retail industry executives.
- Emphasis is on potential impact and adaptability in the retail sector.

Eligibility
**Who should apply**
Applicants should be high‑performing students who can demonstrate strong interest in retail and an innovative approach to the industry. The program seeks individuals who are ambitious, adaptable and prepared to contribute to retail’s future. Specific enrollment or academic-status requirements were not provided in the source content; consult the NRF Foundation for official eligibility rules. Meeting the program’s qualitative profile (passion, innovation, potential) is central to selection.

Key takeaways:
- Ideal candidates: high-performing, retail-focused, innovative thinkers.
- Ambition and adaptability are core selection attributes.
- Check the official NRF Foundation page for formal, detailed eligibility criteria.

Application requirements
**Materials to submit**
Phase one of the application requires a set of materials designed to present the applicant’s academic record, professional readiness and personal brand. Required items include an essay, a personal brand video, one letter of recommendation, a resume, a headshot and school transcripts. These materials create the baseline portfolio that judges use to decide who advances to subsequent stages. Prepare each element to showcase both your credentials and your unique perspective on retail.

Key takeaways:
- Submit: essay, personal brand video, one recommendation letter, resume, headshot, transcripts.
- Materials emphasize both academic and personal/professional presentation.
- Strong preparation across all items improves chances of advancing.

Application process and selection stages
**How candidates advance**
The selection process unfolds in multiple stages designed to evaluate written, recorded and live performance under real‑world retail scenarios. After initial submissions, a group of semifinalists completes a retailer‑aligned case study and a set of retailer interviews; a smaller group then completes quick‑fire video interviews with NRF staff. Finalists participate in interviews with the NRF Foundation Board of Directors to determine the top recipient. Each stage narrows the field from the broader applicant pool to the ultimate scholarship winner.

Key takeaways:
- Multi-stage process: initial submission → semifinal case study and retailer interviews → quick‑fire interviews → board interviews.
- Live interviews and case work test applied retail thinking and communication.
- Progression is competitive and staged to evaluate different skill sets.

Partner collaboration and the case study
**Retail partner role**
The scholarship’s semifinal case study is developed in collaboration with a retail partner to create a practical, industry‑relevant challenge for applicants. The 2026 case study partner is Under Armour, which helped shape the real‑world assignment used to assess semifinalists’ strategic thinking. This partnership brings retailer expectations and operational context into the evaluation, giving candidates a chance to show how their ideas would work in an actual retail environment. The case study is a required element for moving forward from the semifinal stage.

Key takeaways:
- Under Armour collaborated on the 2026 semifinal case study.
- The case study simulates a real retailer challenge for practical assessment.
- Retail partner input aligns evaluation with industry needs.

Awards and benefits
**Scholarships and professional opportunity**
The top recipient receives a $25,000 tuition scholarship and a one‑year seat on the NRF Foundation Board of Directors, providing both financial support and a high‑visibility governance opportunity. Four additional finalists each receive $10,000 tuition scholarships. These awards combine monetary assistance with unique professional exposure that can expand networks and accelerate career development in retail. The board service component is a distinct experiential benefit reserved for the top recipient.

Key takeaways:
- Top award: $25,000 scholarship + one‑year NRF Foundation Board seat.
- Four finalists receive $10,000 each.
- Board participation offers professional exposure beyond the monetary award.

Application timeline (important dates)
**Key deadlines and notifications**
The program uses a staged notification schedule to move candidates through semifinal, finalist and final rounds. Applicants will be notified by June 24, 2026, if they advance to the semifinal stage. Semifinalists must complete the partner case study and two retailer interviews by August 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET; ten students will then proceed to quick‑fire video interviews, and the top five finalists will be notified by October 6, 2026. Finalists subsequently interview with the NRF Foundation Board to determine the scholarship recipients.

Key takeaways:
- Semifinal notifications: by June 24, 2026.
- Semifinal requirements due: Aug. 10, 2026, 12:00 p.m. ET.
- Finalists notified by Oct. 6, 2026; final board interviews follow.

History of the award
**Program context**
The NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship is part of the NRF Foundation’s broader efforts to cultivate the next generation of retail leaders by combining financial support with industry engagement. While the provided content focuses on the 2026 application cycle and partner involvement, the scholarship is positioned as an ongoing initiative to connect emerging talent with retail executives and professional development opportunities. For a detailed history, past recipients and program evolution, consult the NRF Foundation’s official publications and archives.

Key takeaways:
- The scholarship is a NRF Foundation initiative to support future retail professionals.
- It pairs monetary awards with industry engagement and professional development.
- Refer to the NRF Foundation for complete historical records and past recipient lists.