The NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship 2026 is a premier award for undergraduate students pursuing careers in retail. Applications open in January 2026 and offer up to $25,000 in tuition support, leadership development, and industry recognition.
What Is the NRF Next Generation Scholarship?
The NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship is the flagship scholarship program of the National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation, designed to recognize and support exceptional undergraduate students who are passionate about building careers in the retail industry. Launched in 2014, the scholarship has awarded over $800,000 to students across the U.S., making it one of the most prestigious retail-focused scholarships available.
This scholarship is not just about financial aid it’s a career-launching opportunity that includes mentorship, networking, and exposure to top retail executives. Finalists and winners gain national recognition and are celebrated at the annual NRF Foundation Honors event.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2026 Next Generation Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be a junior or senior undergraduate student at an NRF University Member school
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Demonstrate leadership skills, retail experience, and a passion for the industry
- Be pursuing a career in retail, regardless of major (business, fashion, marketing, technology, etc.)
Applicants must also submit a personal brand video, resume, transcript, essays, and letters of recommendation. Finalists will participate in interviews and a business case competition judged by retail executives.
Scholarship Benefits
The NRF Next Generation Scholarship offers:
- A top award of $25,000 for the winner
- Four additional finalists receive $10,000 each
- Mentorship and career coaching from retail leaders
- Travel and lodging to attend NRF Foundation events
- National recognition and networking opportunities
This scholarship is designed to accelerate careers by connecting students with hiring managers, recruiters, and executives from major retail brands.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: January 2026
- Deadline to Apply: June 30, 2026
- Finalists Announced: Fall 2026
- Winner Revealed: January 2027 at the NRF Foundation Honors event
Students are encouraged to begin preparing early, especially for the video and essay components, which require thoughtful reflection and creativity.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the NRF Foundation scholarship portal at nrfscholars.communityforce.com. The portal provides detailed instructions and resources to guide students through each step of the process.
Applicants should focus on showcasing their retail experience, leadership potential, and vision for the future of retail. The selection committee looks for students who are not only academically strong but also innovative, driven, and community-minded.
Why It Matters
Retail is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world, offering careers in technology, supply chain, marketing, data analytics, fashion, and more. The NRF Next Generation Scholarship helps students gain a competitive edge and build meaningful connections that can shape their professional journey.
Whether you’re working part-time in a store or studying retail strategy in class, this scholarship is a powerful way to turn your passion into a profession.