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 2024 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
"If I want something, I go for it all the way," said Miri, a marketing and analytics student from Boston University. "Not only do you learn a lot about the retail industry, you learn a lot about yourself."
Watch to hear Miri's breakdown of the application process and the mindset it takes to apply for the NRF Foundation Next Generation scholarship.
Finalists
"It's a great opportunity to learn about the business side of the retail world," said Alicia Langlais, a student in a digital retailing program at the University of North Texas.
Applying for the Next Generation scholarship showed her that, "people in the retail industry want to see you thrive and shine." Watch for more of Alicia's advice on the Next Generation experience.
Studying fashion industry and merchandising at Drexel University, Nevaeh Hearn believes that the intersection of retail's analytical and design aspects is, "the blend of math and magic."
For her retail, design, and fashion can be a force for healing and good. "Do it. Go for it. You'll never know unless you try."
"Retail is literally everything from grocery stores to gas stations to hotels — anything that touches people on an everyday basis," said Gabbi Mak, an Indiana University student and Next Generation Scholarship finalist.
Gabbi shares how the application process is rigorous, but also expands your future, retail network. "It really stretches you."
"You're able to really put yourself in places where you're meeting incredible people," said Julia, a Boston University student studying marketing and information systems.
"The scholarship provided me such an in-depth view and understanding of retail that it was the most value part of my summer." Learn more about how Julia used the Next Generation Scholarship process to make connections with retail professionals.
Semifinalists
