Next Generation Scholarship
National Retail Federation Foundation
The Next Generation Scholarship aims at supporting students with an interest in pursuing a career in the retail field. The program offers one award of $25,000 and four awards of $10,000 to selected students. The selection is done through a two-phased process, interested students can apply latest by May.
The NRF is the largest retail trade association in the country and works for the betterment of the retail sector through various initiatives. The Next Generation Scholarship is applicable for junior or senior students, enrolled in any program including business, marketing, accounting, and related fields.
The program aims to select top performers, with creative ideas for the retail industry and prior working or internship experience. The students need to submit an essay, recommendation letter, resume, transcripts, personal brand video, and a headshot in the first phase. Twenty-five students will be selected and will go through further interviews and an assigned project. From there ten applicants will be chosen and have to do another interview. The 5 finalists will then be chosen.
Scholarship Summary
The Next Generation Scholarship aims at supporting students with an interest in pursuing a career in the retail field. The program offers one award of $25,000 and four awards of $10,000 to selected students. The selection is done through a two-phased process, interested students can apply latest by May.
The NRF is the largest retail trade association in the country and works for the betterment of the retail sector through various initiatives. The Next Generation Scholarship is applicable for junior or senior students, enrolled in any program including business, marketing, accounting, and related fields.
The program aims to select top performers, with creative ideas for the retail industry and prior working or internship experience. The students need to submit an essay, recommendation letter, resume, transcripts, personal brand video, and a headshot in the first phase. Twenty-five students will be selected and will go through further interviews and an assigned project. From there ten applicants will be chosen and have to do another interview. The 5 finalists will then be chosen.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: College Sophomore – College Senior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: 3.0
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Next Generation Scholarship
Study Details
Area of Study
Any
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Essay
- Recommendation letters
- Grade transcript
Next Generation Scholarship Timeline
January 18, 2025
Application Opening Date
The applications open in January.
May 2, 2025
Submission Deadline for Phase One
The applicants need to submit their essays, personal brand videos, and other required documents before this date.
May 26, 2025
Announcement for Next Stage
The selection panel will select up to 25 students for the next round, who then will be assigned company projects.
August 8, 2025
Submission Deadline for Phase Two
The students have to complete their company interview and project before this date.
August 29, 2025
Announcement of Top 10
The 10 students selected for the next round will be notified.
September 8-9, 2025
Interviews
The selected students will go through an interview process for the next stage.
September 15, 2025
Announcement of Top 5
The 5 finalists will be selected and notified.
How to ace the Next Generation Scholarship
Maintain above par grades
Try and maintain a GPA that's above the minimum requirement.
Get feedback on your résumé and essay
In the first phase, the applicants need to submit an essay and résumé. Research online on best practices and take feedback from seniors and professionals for best results.
Boost your retail credentials
As at least one working or internship experience is required for application, you can increase your chances by getting involved in another one, from a different industry to diversify your experience. Also, enroll in retail-related courses and submit the certifications.
Get online help for your video
You may not have created a personal brand video before, so you need to study the essentials before creating one. There are many online tutorials and resources available online, check it out but stick to the articles suggested on the website and use the recommended tools.
How the Next Generation Scholarship is Judged
The students will be judged on their passion and ability for leadership, with a focus on retail. The judges will take into account the essays, resume, personal branding video, and performance throughout the selection process to find top applicants.
Why We Love the Next Generation Scholarship
It’s focused on retail
The scholarship aims to develop future leaders in the retail industry, so students with interest and expertise in this area have a great opportunity.
A the selection process is thorough
Along with the award, the process itself, with the numerous interviews and projects, offers a great experience for applicants, which will help them in their professional careers.
They provide detailed instructions and guidelines
The guidelines for the essay, video, and other requirements are quite clear. The website also provides helpful links and also tools to be used.
5 Facts About the NRF Foundation
It’s a part of the NRF
The NRF Foundation is part of the National Retail Federation, the largest retail trade association in the world.
They have many initiatives for the industry
The NRF Foundation is currently running various initiatives to help improve the retail sector in the country and support students interested in the industry.
Over 100 educational institutions in the fold
The NRF University Member Schools feature more than 100 universities and colleges in the U.S. The member schools are provided with supportive content, scholarships, and other programs.
They offer other scholarships and training programs
The NRF Foundation’s support is not limited to Next Generation Scholarship. One can explore several other competitions, scholarships, and training programs available on the website.
NRF has an online job board
One of the NRF Foundations initiatives is the NRF Job Board. It helps recruiters and job seekers from the retail sector to connect and find the best alternatives.