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N R F  FOUNDATION

The National Retail Federation Student Association provides talented students interested in retail careers with unique educational and scholarship programs, networking opportunities, and access to the latest industry news and research. With membership in RSO a membership to the NRF is included.

COME TO NEW YORK WITH US

+NRF Student Program in New York City 

The NRF Student Program brings thousands of students from over 130 different universities to New York City to hear from and network with professionals from some of the world's largest retailers. The 2022 Student Program gave students a chance to hear from Steve Madden. The NRF also offers scholarships to cover the entirety of the program and travel. This year's trip will take place from January 11th-January 14th. This is an unbeatable opportunity to travel to New York City with students that have the same passions and goals as you. Lifetime friendships and connections are sure to be made on this unforgettable weekend in the big apple. Application coming soon. 

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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

+Next Generation Scholarship

The Next Generation scholarship is a pinnacle achievement for aspiring retail professionals. Interested students have the opportunity to show their skills and compete in a case study with a chance to win $25,000 and valuable retail experience. The scholarship has awarded over $800,000 in scholarship money since its start.

Learn more here.

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+University Challenge 

Got ideas? The University Challenge is a business-case competition that allows students to showcase their creativity, business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to retail executives. Participation in the University Challenge allows teams of students to have a chance to win $30,000 and amazing retail experience. Discover more information by clicking here.

 

+Past Success 

In 2023, Indiana University Students had great success competing in the NRF Foundation scholarships. Lauren Schmahl was a top 5 finalist in the Next Generation scholarship. Check out this article about Lauren's success.  In addition to Lauren, students, Cameron Christensen and Ethan Roos, represented Indiana University as Semifinalists. Indiana University also had two teams that placed Top 10 in the University Challenge scholarship. One team included Kaya Tobias, Neely Branham, Libby Kaibas, and Zoe Zvonek. The other team included Claire Potter, Cassie Driver, and Aubrey Williams.

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STUDENT PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS 

+Bright Futures Scholars

The Bright futures scholarship is a need based scholarship that students are able to apply for that allows them to travel and attend the NRF student program free of charge. 

Discover more information by clicking here.

 

+Rising Star Scholarship  

The rising star scholarship is a need based scholarship awarded to a student who is chosen and nominated by a faculty advisor. This student will have the opportunity to travel to and attend the NRF Student Program free of charge. Discover more information by clicking here.

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+Ray Greenly Scholarship 

The ray greenly scholarship is an opportunity for students who are pursuing a degree in fields such as engineering, computer science, marketing, business, e-commerce and economics. This student will have the opportunity to travel to and attend the NRF Student Program free of charge. Discover more information by clicking here.

INDUSTRY NEWS 

Members get access to news, research, and resources designed for people working in the industry. Sign up for newsletters — including NRF’s Retail Careers SmartBrief — read the latest retail newsdownload research and check out industry statistics. Networking opportunities – NRF Student Association members can sign up to be part of our exclusive NRF Student Association LinkedIn group and can attend events with NRF retail members and recruiters. There is also an opportunity to attend the NRF Big Show in NYC in January. Here is a brief video from last year!

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