The NRF Foundation x CVS Health® Retail Management Scholarship aims to increase representation and interest in store leadership opportunities.
If you are an undergraduate college student, in a four-year college program or in a two-year community college program, with an interest in careers in the retail industry and specifically store leadership, you could earn a $10,000 tuition scholarship and a trip to New York City to attend the 2026 NRF Foundation Student Program.
By attending this conference, you will have the opportunity to meet with CVS Health and many additional retail recruiters hiring for both internships and entry-level roles, hear from top leaders and executives in the industry, and explore the most exciting store locations in NYC.
The NRF Foundation x CVS Health Retail Management Scholarship application consists of a written statement, a short video response to a choice of prompts, a resume, and an unofficial transcript to verify enrollment.
Enrolled full-time at a fully accredited U.S. college, university or a community college.
Undergraduate level: sophomore, junior or senior in a four-year college program, or a first- or second-year undergraduate student enrolled in a community college.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Legal U.S. citizen or resident over 18 years of age.
Demonstrated financial need, as verified by the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Have not previously attended the Student Program through a scholarship from the NRF Foundation.
Must be available to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program, Jan. 8-11, 2026, in NYC.
No affiliation with CVS Health or its subsidiaries or with NRF or the NRF Foundation.
Students from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, including those who are bilingual, first-generation college students, or proficient in sign language.
The scholarship will open for applications on August 25, 2025, and close on October 20, 2025.
Students will be notified of their application status and selection by November 12, 2025.
The NRF Foundation x CVS Health Scholarship application consists of a written statement, a short video response to a choice of prompts, a resume, and an unofficial transcript to verify enrollment.
Compose a written statement in response to the following question (maximum of 500 words):
Describe your interest in the retail industry and store leadership opportunities. What motivated you to apply for this scholarship, and what excites you about retail stores? What role do they play in your community and what makes them important?
Select one of the following prompts and record your answer in a 2-to-3-minute video. We ask that you be in front of the camera for a minimum of 30 seconds. There are no other format requirements, so you can be creative. Begin your video with a brief introduction of yourself, then respond to the prompt of your choice.
What excites you most about the opportunity to lead in a store environment, and what do you believe would make you an effective store leader?
Managing a retail store requires an entrepreneurial spirit tell me why you’re interested in being responsible for a running and operating a store.
As a store manager, why is it important to support the needs of your diverse community, including customers and team members, and how would you create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and included in your store?
Focus on sound quality and consistency throughout your video and identify locations with low background noise. We are not looking for professional videography, but we must be able to clearly see and hear you throughout your entire video.
You must upload a current resume as part of your application materials.
You must upload a copy of your college transcript (does not have to be official transcripts) to verify your enrollment.
The NRF Foundation provides access to the education and opportunities needed for successful retail careers, helping people build better lives and stronger communities.
The NRF Foundation is part of the National Retail Federation. NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. As NRF's nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that’s a great place to start and a great place to grow.
CVS Health delivers innovative, community-based solutions to make health care simpler, more affordable, and more accessible. Supporting the next generation of highly skilled, diverse retail leaders aligns with our national footprint and local community presence, and vision to be America’s most trusted health, wellness, and pharmacy care partner.
