NRF Foundation announces 2019 Next Generation Scholarship semi-finalists

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Oct 19, 2018

The NRF Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the National Retail Federation, has announced 25 student semi-finalists for its Next Generation Scholarship program, which gives financial support to college students pursuing careers or majors relevant to retail.

In a new phase of the competition this year, semi-finalists will participate in a case study competition created in partnership with BJ’s Wholesale Club, in addition to interviewing with an assigned retailer. In this phase, the semi-finalists will review a company's real data and history of digital investments, conduct a competitive analysis and brainstorm future recommendations.

After being whittled down from 103 initial applicants, a panel of retail executives from 17 companies will use this concluding phase to select five finalists. Of these winners, four will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship and one will receive the grand prize of a $25,000 scholarship.

The grand prize winner will be announced on stage at the NRF Foundation Gala, scheduled for January 13 of 2019, during NRF 2019: Retail’s Big Show.

“We adjusted the application process this year to attract a wider pool of qualified students and ended up with a truly talented group from schools across the country," NRF Foundation President Ellen Davis said. "Each of our semi-finalists exhibit remarkable leadership skills, and will no doubt make their mark on the retail industry.”

All 25 semi-finalists will be invited to attend the Foundation’s fifth annual Student Program, which will be held on January 11 through January 13 during NRF 2019.

The NRF Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded in part by donations from retail industry supporters.