NRF Foundation and PepsiCo Foundation Launch Retail Training Initiative to Advance Career Readiness

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation today announced the launch of the NRF Foundation Retail Training Fund, a new partnership designed to strengthen career readiness and economic mobility by expanding access to essential retail skills training and credentials.

The PepsiCo Foundation intends to contribute $1 million over three years to catalyze this transformative initiative. The fund will provide critical support to workforce development organizations, community colleges and select educational institutions to equip individuals with the skills and credentials needed to secure meaningful employment and advance in retail and related industries.

The retail industry is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting more than 55 million jobs, or more than one in four U.S. workers. Through this partnership, the NRF Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation aim to reach 3,000 participants across 30 partner organizations and strengthen the talent pipeline for retail and adjacent sectors while helping individuals build confidence, career readiness and professional skills.

“Access to skills, training and opportunity is critical to advancing economic mobility,” PepsiCo Senior Vice President, Social Impact Monica Bauer said. “By partnering with the NRF Foundation through the Retail Training Fund, we are investing in people and communities by helping learners gain the credentials and capabilities they need to succeed in today’s workforce.”

This initiative empowers individuals with the skills needed to secure meaningful employment and build long-term careers. Participants receive the opportunity to gain foundational employability skills such as customer service, operational and technical proficiencies, industry-specific knowledge, professional development and industry-recognized credentials.

“The NRF Foundation helps retailers discover and develop future leaders by delivering retail training and provides retail scholarships each year,” NRF Foundation Executive Director and National Retail Federation Senior Vice President Adam Lukoskie said. “The PepsiCo Foundation’s support of our new NRF Foundation Retail Training Fund will increase our reach and impact, propelling the job seekers of today to become the retail leaders of tomorrow.”

The NRF Foundation Retail Training Fund directly aligns with the PepsiCo Foundation’s broader focus on workforce development and economic mobility, supporting pathways to prosperity for individuals while meeting the evolving talent needs of one of the nation’s most critical industries.

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

About NRF
The National Retail Federation 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 $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 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 the PepsiCo Foundation
The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with non-profits and experts around the globe, we're focused on helping communities obtain access to food security, safe water and workforce development opportunities. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to affect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance. Learn more at www.pepsicofoundation.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.