Press Release

NRF Foundation Celebrates New Undergraduate Scholarship

For immediate release
February 2, 2023

WASHINGTON – The NRF Foundation is creating greater awareness of its new Bright Futures Scholarship that provides financial assistance for undergraduates from across the country to attend its annual NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City.

The inaugural scholarship, which provided funding for students to attend the 2023 NRF Foundation Student Program, was sponsored by Amazon and celebrated at the NRF Foundation Honors in January.

“Year after year, recruiters from leading retailers participate in the NRF Foundation Student Program seeking top talent,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “This new needs-based opportunity allows additional students to experience our programming and is another way we’re helping retailers access more diverse talent.”

This year, 50 undergraduate students from 35 universities participated in the NRF Foundation Student Program through the support of the scholarship, joining more than 1,000 of their peers in the pursuit of careers in retail. Over three days, the program featured presentations with retail experts, mentoring sessions with top executives, a career fair and more.

“No other industry offers anything like the NRF Foundation Student Program, and that’s why we’re thrilled to present this scholarship,” Amazon Vice President of People, Experience and Technology Tonya Hallett said. “In our first year together, the NRF Foundation and Amazon have helped more students — from all backgrounds — attend than ever before with the NRF Foundation Bright Futures Scholarship.”

A video showcasing the NRF Foundation Bright Futures Scholarship at the 2023 NRF Foundation Honors is available here.

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 succeed. 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

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