Next Generation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Retail Federation Foundation

Description and Eligibility
The NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship seeks high-performing students with a clear passion for retail and an innovative viewpoint on the industry. Judges from the NRF Foundation and retail executives look for applicants who are ambitious, adaptable, and capable of shaping the future of retail. The program emphasizes demonstrated interest, creativity, and potential rather than listing narrow categorical requirements in the provided text.

**Key takeaways**
- Target audience: students who show strong interest in retail and innovative thinking.
- Desired traits: ambition, adaptability, and future-oriented impact.
- Eligibility specifics (e.g., enrollment, GPA) are not detailed in the source—check the official program page for formal requirements.

Application Requirements (Phase 1)
The first phase of the application centers on materials that introduce your background, thinking, and personal brand. Applicants must submit an essay and a personal brand video to convey ideas and personality, plus supporting documents that verify academic and professional readiness. These initial materials are used to evaluate whether candidates advance to the semifinalist round.

**Key takeaways**
- Required submissions (phase 1): essay and personal brand video.
- Additional documents: one letter of recommendation, resume, headshot, and school transcripts.
- These materials determine selection into the semifinalist stage.

Selection Process (Phases and Rounds)
The selection process unfolds in multiple rounds designed to assess problem-solving, communication, and fit with retail partners. After phase 1, semifinalists are selected to complete a retail partner case study and two retailer interviews; a subset then advances to timed video interviews with NRF staff. From the quick-fire round, five finalists are chosen to interview with the NRF Foundation Board of Directors, which determines the top recipient.

**Key takeaways**
- Semifinalists complete a partner case study and two interviews.
- A later round includes quick-fire video interviews with the NRF team.
- Finalists interview with the NRF Foundation Board to decide the winner.

Application Timeline and Deadlines
The application timeline includes specific notification and submission deadlines that applicants must observe. Applicants will be notified if they advance to the semifinalist stage by June 24, 2026. Semifinalists must complete the case study and two retailer interviews by August 10, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET, and the top five finalists will be notified by October 6, 2026.

**Key takeaways**
- Semifinalist notification: June 24, 2026.
- Semifinalist deliverables deadline: August 10, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
- Finalist notification: October 6, 2026.

Awards and Board Service
Scholarship awards recognize the top candidates with meaningful tuition support and leadership opportunity. The top recipient receives a $25,000 tuition scholarship and will serve on the NRF Foundation Board of Directors for one year. Four additional finalists each receive $10,000 tuition scholarships.

**Key takeaways**
- Top scholarship: $25,000 plus one-year NRF Foundation Board service.
- Four finalists: $10,000 tuition scholarships each.
- Board service is part of the top prize, adding a leadership and governance opportunity.

History and Additional Notes
The provided text focuses on the 2026 application process and program structure rather than the award’s multi-year history. For historical context—past winners, program evolution, or changes to requirements—consult the NRF Foundation website or program announcements. Applicants should also verify any additional eligibility rules, update-to-date deadlines, and submission formats on the official scholarship page.

**Key takeaways**
- Source material centers on the 2026 process; history is not detailed.
- For past winners or changes over time, review official NRF Foundation resources.
- Always confirm final eligibility criteria and deadlines on the program website.