The NRF Foundation Student Challenge provides lifelong skills and invaluable experience for undergraduates as they prepare for their retail careers.
WASHINGTON – The NRF Foundation today announced the top teams in the 2023 NRF Foundation Student Challenge business competition.
Teams of up to four undergraduates were tasked with developing a growth strategy for Public Lands, a new outdoor specialty retail concept from DICK’S Sporting Goods.
“The NRF Foundation Student Challenge provides lifelong skills and invaluable experience for undergraduates as they prepare for their retail careers,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Bill Thorne said. “As a result of their successful collaboration and sharp ideas, we are pleased to facilitate the opportunity for this year’s finalists to present their strategies to industry leaders.”
The three teams that will make their pitch to retail executives in the final round of the competition include:
- Columbia College Chicago (Ivonne Malagon, Alexis Norris, Juan Osorio and Aleesa Wright)
- Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (Kiera Berry, Shannon Curley, Kristin Hall and Avery Van der Linden)
- Florida State University (Delaney Hanson, Grace Long, Alison MacCloud and Gustavo Rubio)
Each member of the top team will receive a $7,000 tuition scholarship. The announcement will be made on stage at the NRF Foundation Honors in New York City on Jan. 15.
Since its launch, the NRF Foundation Student Challenge has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarship funds. The team competition gives students an opportunity to apply the skills learned in their coursework and connect with industry professionals.
Visit nrffoundation.org/accelerate/scholarships for more information about NRF Foundation scholarships.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
About NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for a life-changing career. 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. Together, we help people build better lives and stronger communities. nrffoundation.org