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The NRF Foundation and retail executive judges are searching for high-performing students who demonstrate a passion for retail and a unique, innovative perspective on our industry to apply for the NRF Foundation Retail's Next Generation Scholarship. Recipients will be ambitious, adaptable and have the potential to impact the future of retail.
The NRF Foundation Retail's Next Generation Scholarship application will reopen in January 2027. Please check back at that time for updated information, eligibility requirements, and application materials.
The 2027 NRF Foundation Retail's Next Generation Scholarship consists of two phases. In the first phase, applicants will submit an essay, personal brand video, one letter of recommendation, resume, headshot and school transcripts. Applications are due on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Applicants will be notified by June 24, 2026, if they are selected to move on to the semifinalist stage. In this phase, 25 students are required to complete a case study created in collaboration with the retail partner Under Armour, and two interviews with assigned retailers by Aug. 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
From there, ten students will advance and complete quick-fire video interviews with the NRF team. The top five finalists will then be selected and notified by October 6, 2026. The finalists will complete final round interviews with members of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors to determine the top recipient.
In recognition of their achievement, all 25 semifinalists who complete the Round 2 case study and retailer interviews, will receive a travel stipend to attend NRF NXT in New York City.
The top recipient will receive a $25,000 tuition scholarship and will serve on the NRF Foundation Board of Directors for one year.
Four finalists will receive $10,000 tuition scholarships each.
Compose an essay in response to the question below. Responses should be in paragraph format and a maximum of three pages. Only .doc, .docx and .pdf files will be accepted.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how retailers interact with customers, from personalized marketing to seamless checkout experiences and post-sale engagement. By leveraging AI, retailers can better understand shopper preferences, anticipate needs, and deliver tailored experiences across digital and physical channels.
Select one retailer and explore how AI could be used to enhance the customer journey, from discovery and engagement to purchase and post-sale support. In your essay, describe a specific AI application that the retailer could implement (such as virtual assistants, predictive analytics, automated customer service, or another idea) and explain how it could improve the overall customer experience. Discuss the potential benefits or opportunities for both the retailer and its customers. Consider any challenges or ethical considerations involved in implementing your solution. Conclude your essay with any final recommendations for the implementation of your idea.
All responses must be your own original work. All responses will be reviewed using AI detection software and applications containing AI generated content may result in disqualification.
Video must be 2 minutes or less.
Create a video that reveals who you are and what you are passionate about. Consider including an experience that has shaped you and influenced your career aspirations. Show us the impact you have made in your communities and what motivates you to strive for success.
We ask that you be in front of the camera for a minimum of 30 seconds. There are no other format requirements, so be creative. Keep in mind, we are looking for applicants who will be industry ambassadors and inspire the next generation of students to pursue a retail career. This is not a video resume. It is your chance to tell your story and differentiate yourself from other applicants. Be authentic and memorable.
Video must be 2 minutes or less. You will need to submit a URL as part of your application along with uploading your video.
Search for ‘NRF Foundation Retail's Next Generation Scholarship’ on YouTube to view examples from previous years.
Focus on sound quality and consistency throughout your video and identify locations with low background noise.
Consider using the following video tools: iMovie, CapCut, Canva, Adobe Spark, or Shotcut.
Important: Please be sure to double check that your video link has open viewing permissions so that it can be viewed by judges.
For this section, you should list a name and email for an academic reference or university advisor. Note: You do not need a letter of recommendation, please just list your academic reference.
You must upload a current resume as part of the application package.
You must upload a copy of your college transcript (does not have to be official transcripts) to verify your GPA.
Commonly called a "headshot", you must submit a high-resolution color photo, at least 300 dpi in jpg or tif format. Photographs will be used for promotional purposes to feature recipients of the Next Generation Scholarship.
Applicants selected to move on to phase two, 25 semifinalists, will be assigned a case study created in collaboration with Under Armour on June 24, due on August 10. Additional details regarding the project will be provided at that time.
Applicants selected to move on to phase two will be required to complete two virtual phone interviews with retailers as assigned by the NRF Foundation to be completed by the end of July. Additional details will be provided for applicants on June 24.
Application opens for submissions
Phase one deadline: Essay, personal brand video, letter of recommendation, resume, school transcripts and headshot due
Up to 25 semifinalists selected and notified if they are moving on to phase two; company project distributed to those applicants via the scholarship platform
Phase two deadline: Company project and company interview completed by this time
Top 10 applicants selected and notified
Top 10 applicants complete quick-fire interviews with NRF Foundation team
Top five finalists selected and notified
Final round interviews
Top recipient announced on stage at NRF Foundation Honors
Juniors or seniors enrolled full time at a U.S based university at the time when the scholarship is presented in January 2027 (Note: current sophomores can apply if they will be of junior standing in January of 2027)
Must not have previously received an award of $10,000 or more from the NRF Foundation
Must be U.S. citizens or legal U.S. residents eligible to work in the United States
Must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
Must have prior or current experience working in a retail job or internship. This could be anything from working as a team member at a grocery store or a server/host at a restaurant to having a summer internship with a retailer.
Students in any major are eligible. Possible majors include business, merchandising, supply chain, analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, retail studies, computer science, marketing, communications, etc.
For more information, review the full eligibility requirements (PDF).
Judges are searching for high-performing students who demonstrate a passion for leadership and a unique, innovative perspective on our industry.
The top 25 applicants will either receive a travel stipend to cover registration and travel expenses to attend the NRF NXT (formerly NRF Foundation Student Program) in New York City, or a tuition award if we are not able to convene in-person in January 2027. Travel stipends/tuition funds will be paid directly to the school. These students are also invited to attend the NRF Foundation Honors.
The NRF Foundation will announce the top recipient in January 2027: one $25,000 scholarship for the top recipient and four $10,000 scholarships. Scholarship proceeds will be made payable to the educational institution at which the student is enrolled.
Email scholarships@nrf.com with questions related to the scholarship process.
