The NRF Foundation Student Challenge isn’t an average business case competition. This unique experience gives undergraduate students at NRF University Member Schools the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. It challenges students to act as entrepreneurs to establish a small business venture and prepare to pitch a set of products to a major retailer.A handful of teams will earn the chance to present their pitch to leaders from retail’s biggest companies, with the top team earning a $6,000 tuition scholarship for each team member. Since its launch, the NRF Foundation Student Challenge has provided nearly $300,000 in scholarship funds to students across the country, along with experience students need to realize extraordinary career opportunities. With the NRF Foundation Student Challenge, students discover career paths, build professional networks, and enhance their skills. Amid uncertainty due to the pandemic, with most summer internships canceled, the NRF Foundation Student Challenge offers a way for students of all majors to get the experience that will pay off throughout their careers. Students who will be sophomores or above at the time the scholarship is awarded in January 2021 will form teams of two to four (up to two teams per university) and collaborate on a pitch presentation and video. Final submissions are due on the Community Force platform by Oct. 15, and the NRF Foundation will provide checkpoints, resources and guidance along the way.
Begin Accepting Applications Date:
5/07/2020
Deadline Date (EST Time Zone):
10/16/2020 4:00 PM
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Scholarship Description:
The NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship is the pinnacle achievement for students interested in pursuing careers in retail. This opportunity was created for students of various academic backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership skills, previous retail experience, and a passion for making an impact.
This scholarship develops students’ skills in retailing, business, and critical thinking, preparing and encouraging them to not only launch their career in retail, but be recognized among the next generation of leaders in the industry.
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
Entry. Each student who fulfills all of the eligibility requirements applies for the Scholarship by having all components of the application—which includes an essay, a personal brand video, two letters of recommendation, transcript, resume, and head shot—completed and submitted.
University Members must have a current membership in NRF at the time when the student submits their application in order for students to submit their application. There is no limit to the number of students who can apply per University Member.
Appearances. Eligible students must be available to attend and participate in: (1) the 2021 NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City, January 15-17, 2021 including the NRF Foundation Honors in New York City on January 17, 2021.
Status. Any student eligible to earn a scholarship must be a junior or senior enrolled full-time at a University Member school at the time when the scholarship is presented in January 2021. Employees of National Retail Federation and their immediate families and household members are ineligible to enter and earn scholarships.
One-time Scholarship Recipient. Eligible students must not have previously received an award of $10,000 or more from the NRF Foundation.
Citizenship. Eligible students must be U.S. Citizens or legal U.S. residents eligible to work in the United States.
Grade Point Average. Eligible students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
Retail Experience. Eligible students must have prior or current experience working in a retail job or retail internship.
Please click on the 2021 Next Generation Scholarship link for additional details.
Begin Accepting Applications Date:
1/21/2020
Deadline Date (EST Time Zone):
8/07/2020 11:59 PM
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The NRF Foundation Student Ambassador provides the opportunity for each NRF University Member to select one student to serve as their campus representative throughout an academic year.
NRF Foundation Student Ambassadors will serve as the liaison between the NRF Foundation and their school. This is an enormous leadership opportunity to grow the NRF Foundation community on each university campus.
Student Ambassadors should be ambitious, resourceful, and highly-motivated students capable of leading the NRF Student Association on campus.
Begin Accepting Applications Date:
7/28/2020
Deadline Date (EST Time Zone):
12/04/2020 11:59 PM
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The NRF Foundation All Access Tech Rep program is a leadership opportunity for up to two students per university to serve as campus representatives for the NRF Foundation All Access program. These students will serve as the liaison between the NRF Foundation and their school to help educate students on the breadth and diversity of opportunities in retail through the All Access program. All Access Tech Reps should be ambitious, resourceful, and highly motivated students that are familiar with the NRF Foundation and are capable of spearheading this initiative at their school. Eligibility: - Attended the NRF Foundation Student Program in January 2020 through the Ray Greenly Scholarship - Currently enrolled at a fully accredited U.S. university or college for the Fall 2020 semester - Involved in at least one student organization related to their field of study
Begin Accepting Applications Date:
8/18/2020
Deadline Date (EST Time Zone):
11/30/2020 11:59 PM
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Earlier in the year, the NRF Foundation and Qurate Retail Group partnered to shine a light on small businesses impacted by COVID-19 through their Small Business Spotlight initiative. Knowing that the retail industry has an important role to play as a voice for change in the face of racism and social injustice in our country, the NRF Foundation is helping the Qurate Retail Group to expand the success and reach of the Spotlight program.
This next wave of the Spotlight program will highlight 20 Black-owned small businesses with exceptional stories to showcase on Qurate Retail Group platforms over a 10 week period over the course of this summer and fall in the following on-air, digital and social platforms:
- Twice weekly 2-4-minute live segments, on QVC and HSN main channels
- Live show content repurposed on streaming services (ROKU and Amazon Fire) and social channels such as YouTube
- A podcast interview with each small business
- Digital landing page profiling each small business on QVC.com and HSN.com
- A culmination show of all 20 small businesses on QVC3
- Zuiliy to amplify efforts on its digital channels
Key Criteria
Must have/be:
- Self-identify as a Black-Owned business and confirms company is 51% Black-Owned
- Employ 100 or less workers
- Demonstrate active participation in their community
- Avoid product lines associated with these categories (see categories)
- Ecommerce platform and social media presence
- Does not hold public office currently
- Owner activities not in conflict with ORG core values and principles
Preferred/Priority Emphasis: - Mix of bricks and mortar and ecommerce
- Mix of product types
Additionally, Qurate Retail Group and NRF Foundation will develop a PR/media plan and coordinate media opportunities for selected businesses as they arise. Another exciting benefit is Qurate Retail Group will also offer the time and expertise of its talented team members through a Virtual Fellowship - matching 2-3 ORG team members to help solve a business problem.
We look forward to reviewing your submission. The expression of interest deadline is July 17, 2020. Please send any questions to Robin Wagher at wagherr@nrf.com.
Begin Accepting Applications Date:
6/22/2020
Deadline Date (EST Time Zone):
7/17/2020 11:59 PM
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