NRF announces finalists of next generation scholarship

The newly-minted scholarship program, which will offer $25,000 to a top recipient and $10,000 to four additional recipients, is the pinnacle achievement for students pursuing retail careers. The scholarship is administered by the NRF Foundation.

NRF announced five finalists for the 2014 Next Generation Scholarship:

- Elizabeth Heibertshausen, Kent State University
- Carlie Jensen, Indiana University
- Allie Miller, Texas A&M University
- Elizabeth Poteracki, FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
- Melanie Weber, The University of Arizona

“No other industry offers opportunities to grow and make an impact as quickly as retail, where the advancement path is steep,” said NRF Senior Vice President Ellen Davis. “The nominees for NRF’s Next Generation Scholarship have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, a passion for our industry, potential to make an impact, and leadership ability that retailers look for when identifying candidates who can make a difference in the workplace right away.”

Scholarship finalists, each of whom is a member of the NRF Student Association, will travel to New York this January for Retail’s BIG Show, where they will interview with a panel of retail executives to determine which student will receive the top award of $25,000. The recipients will be recognized during the Retail Industry Awards luncheon on Monday, January 13.

In addition to the five finalists, NRF recognizes the 18 additional students who were nominated by their university for this prestigious scholarship.

Click here to view list of universities

National Retail Federation