Ambitious students from NRF University member schools competed to represent the next generation of retail leaders.
Retail executives from 17 companies selected 25 semifinalists who rose to the top after submitting an essay, a personal brand video and two letters of recommendation from their employers and educators. These students completed an exclusive case study created in collaboration with Nordstrom and two phone interviews with retail partners for the chance to advance to the final round of competition. The 25 semifinalists also received a $1,000 travel stipend award for their achievements to attend the 2023 Student Program in New York City.
The top recipient for the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship received a $25,000 scholarship; four finalists each received $10,000 scholarships.
Top Recipient
“The NRF has already given me so much to start my career,” the LIM College senior says. “I’ve attended career fairs and recruiter chats and the NRF has given my jobs, internships, interviews and networking events.”
Find out the steps Marr took to earn the NRF Foundation Next Generation scholarship in this video.
Finalists
“The NRF experience is so rare for students,” the LIM College senior says. “It gave me a new sense of confidence.”
Find out why Lute believes retail allows you “to really feel like you’re a part of people’s lives” in this video.
“Applying to the scholarship is a multilayered process,” the Kent State University senior says. “The NRF Foundation has been one of the most beneficial, supportive organizations I have experienced in my college career.”
Find out why Meyer believes “you won’t miss what’s meant for you” in this video.
“It’s taught me a lot of business acumen – research, connecting and networking,” the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising senior says. “The NRF Foundation has shown me the importance of serving people in a more meaningful way.”
Find out why Patadia believes retail “isn’t just about an A to B transaction but about how you make someone feel” in this video.
“You have the unique opportunity to expand your network,” the Indiana University senior says. “You have the opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone.”
Find out why Schmahl switched from biology to merchandising - and how she knows she is exactly where she is meant to be in this video.
Semifinalists
