"Throughout each stage of the competition, this group of rising leaders has demonstrated an understanding of the retail landscape and bold, forward-thinking visions for the future of the industry."
WASHINGTON – The NRF Foundation today announced the top five finalists of the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship, the organization’s premier scholarship competition for undergraduate students. Launched in 2014, the scholarship is for students of various academic backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership skills, previous retail experience and a passion for making an impact in the retail industry. More than $800,000 in funds have been awarded through the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship to date.
“The NRF Foundation is proud to recognize this year’s accomplished Next Generation scholarship finalists,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “Throughout each stage of the competition, this group of rising leaders has demonstrated an understanding of the retail landscape and bold, forward-thinking visions for the future of the industry. We are honored to support these finalists as they pursue the next steps in their careers.”
The 2026 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship finalists are:
Shamya Banks (Columbia College Chicago)
Madison-Jade Bishop (Drexel University)
Jacquelyn Dufner (University of Minnesota)
Emme Serafino (Drexel University)
Sarah Starko (Babson College)
The scholarship competition included a summer case study created in collaboration with Crate & Barrel, and two interviews with assigned retailers to evaluate students’ passion for retail and unique perspective on the industry. This year’s top five finalists were chosen from 10 semifinalists who participated in video interviews with NRF staff. The final round of the competition will include in-person interviews with the NRF Foundation Board of Directors.
The top recipient will receive a $25,000 tuition scholarship and recognition as an emerging leader in retail; the other four finalists will each receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship. The winner will be announced on stage at the NRF Foundation Honors event on Jan.11 in New York City.
The NRF Foundation provides more than $1 million in scholarships every year, connecting 80,000 learners and 3,700 educational and workforce partners with the retail industry. More than 300 retailers and industry partners support the work of the NRF Foundation to ensure that retailers have the quality talent they need for their stores, supply chain facilities and corporate offices.
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
